Funding from the swimming pool site could fund Midsteeple repairs

The current pool is to be replaced by a multi-million pound leisure complex now under construction.

Council officers have suggested that any revenue gained from the old site could help fund the steeple works.

The total cost of the Midsteeple repairs has been put at more than �1.6m. Up to 25% could be met by a grant from Historic Scotland.

A team of council officers has been told it might be necessary to obtain the balance through savings from other projects - or even an increase in council tax.

Major repairs

The disposal of the swimming pool has been suggested as one possible source of extra cash.

Councillors are being asked to back the next phase of the restoration project at the Midsteeple, to be carried out in two phases.

The first stage would be to return the famous spire - taken down last year on public safety grounds - and to carry out a major repairs programme.

This would be followed by work on the interior of the building to adapt it for future use.