The History of The Grant Hall
The Town Hall was built in 1898 and was used for the first 20 years for many theatrical productions, social events and as a silent moving picture house with a local music teacher (Miss Grant) providing the incidental music until sadly going bankrupt in 1918. Bought by the Territorial Army in 1922 it was known locally as the ‘Drill Hall’ until closing again in the late 60s.
Ou In 1968 The Rothes District Community Association was formed with the intention of finding a new site for a Community Hall; when the ‘Drill Hall’ came on the market they bought it for £1,400.
The Grant Hall Community Centre officially opened in 1977, running successfully until 1996 when Grampian Regional funding was withdrawn, and a new committee took over the running of the re-named Grant Hall.
By 2001 the maintenance costs had become too much for the devoted committee of volunteers and the Hall was again on the verge of closure with some serious problems due to lack of maintenance. A very small committee kept up a constant battle against the elements, keeping the building wind and watertight, whilst non-stop fundraising. A successful application to the Big Lottery Fund in 2003 for £250,000 saved the building once again.
Since that time, the Grant Hall has gone from strength to strength having had nearly £440,000 spent on it in the last 5 years through fundraising, the generosity of local people and businesses. We are very fortunate to be part of a close-knit community. A testament to the dedication of successive committees since 1970, we envisage the Grant Hall being here in another 118 years.