The Chambers Institution Trust met on Tuesday 7 October 2025, to discuss a project update, a phase 2 update, and a fundraising update. The meeting also included discussion of a proposed drop-in session, and approval of the minutes from the previous meeting. Some items were scheduled to be discussed in private due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Phase 2 Update

The Trust was scheduled to receive an update on Phase 2 of the Chambers Institution project. A progress report from LDN Architects was included in the supplementary agenda pack.

The report noted that an inception meeting with the client, architect and QS¹ and a site visit had taken place on 29 August 2025, and an inception meeting with a business planner had taken place on 23 September 2025.

The report stated that site visits to the floors above the Buchan Museum and consultation with the Registrar were upcoming, but that dates were still to be confirmed. The client was reportedly trying to contact the tenant to arrange access to the floors above the Buchan Museum.

LDN Architects had issued plans illustrating feasibility study areas following the meeting with the business planner. The client had issued the Burgh Hall fire strategy on 25 September and provided Registrar contact details on the same day.

The report identified several risks:

• Access to floors above Buchan Museum.
• Outcome of community consultation.
• Building condition and unknowns such as asbestos.
• Costs currently unknown.

Current Project Update

The Trust was scheduled to receive an update on the current project. No further details were provided in the agenda.

Fundraising Update

Jason Dyer was scheduled to provide a verbal update on fundraising.

Drop-In Session

The Trust was scheduled to discuss a proposed drop-in session, with input from the Project Team.

Private Business

The Trust was scheduled to exclude the public from the meeting to discuss private business, as defined in Paragraph 6 of Part I of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 covers the structure, functions and finance of local government in Scotland.

The private business included approval of the private minute of the meeting held on 8 September 2025, and discussion of the appointment of business planning consultants, where Creative Solutions were appointed to the role.

Previous Minutes

The Trust was scheduled to approve and sign the minute of the meeting held on 8 September 2025. According to the minute, the Trust had previously agreed to appoint Creative Solutions to the role of Business Planning Consultants.