Historic Dumfries mill's future examined

Potential future uses are to be explored for a prominent building which overlooks the River Nith in Dumfries.

Rosefield Mills has suffered years of neglect, but a bid is now being made to buy and restore the Victorian property.

The project is being led by the Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust and the charity, Planning Aid for Scotland.

A meeting is seeking local views for possible development opportunities for the imposing former woollen mill.

The condition of the property - which dates back to 1886 - was first brought to the attention of the Buildings at Risk Register more than 20 years ago.

External inspections have found that it has continued to deteriorate over the past two decades.

The DHBT is no looking at options on how the site could be redeveloped.

Project leader Mark Zygadlo said: "The idea of this first stage is really a general study of what's available in Dumfries and what people feel the town of Dumfries needs as a community offer.

"The results of that element of the community consultation will then be fed into options for possible uses for the building.

"Everyone you mention the project to says: 'It is about time something happened to that building, what an amazing building.'"

The meeting about the Rosefield Mills takes place at 18:30 on Wednesday at the Stove on Dumfries High Street.