\n<\/p>\n
The move follows a meeting in the village earlier this week where it was decided to push ahead with the plans.<\/p>\n
A steering group has been set up along with a fundraising page.<\/p>\n
Community council chairman Paul Hodson said they were optimistic that they could gather the funds needed to meet the deadline agreed with the Church of Scotland.<\/p>\n
“Several individuals and families in the village have already pledged to donate,” he said.<\/p>\n
“So we are hopeful that with wider help we will be able to meet our target, hovever the deadline of 1 November gives us less than 60 days to do so.”<\/p>\n
He said that if they were successful in their plans it could have a major impact on the area.<\/p>\n
“If we do manage to secure the building this will give us hope that the project to celebrate the life and work of this great scientist can become a vibrant centre and help reverse the slow rural decline of communities like ours and provide a boost for the whole region,” he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n