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Review into Ballater Station overspend finds delays and money were ‘justified’ by its stunning resurrection

The Royal Station in Ballater the day after it was destroyed by the fire
The Royal Station in Ballater the day after it was destroyed by the fire

Councillors have praised the stunning restoration of the historic Ballater Station but accepted that lessons must to be learned from the project.

After a devastating blaze ripped through the building in May 2015, officers planned its rebirth, working with partners including Historic Environment Scotland and the Royal Household.

Ballater rail station fire: Pictures show aftermath of huge blaze

The initial project was expected to be completed in late 2017 but hit trouble as hoped-for funding sources failed to bear fruit, forcing the revision of plans and budgets and resulting in delays.

Over time, the cost of delivering the restoration also rose from £3.2 million to £4.2 million.

As it became clear the project would take longer and cost more than planned, officers were asked to carry out a review of the process and internal procedures.

And during a private meeting held on Thursday, the detailed post-project review was scrutinised by Aberdeenshire Council.

The report concludes that while the project cost more and took longer to complete than initially planned, it was anything but a “normal” project.

The extra time and cost were also said to have been “justified” as they were a fair reflection of the quality product achieved.

Ballater Royal Station after its renovation.

At the meeting, councilors agreed to develop an action plan based on the recommendations set out in the report to aid learning in all major, complex construction projects.

This will be considered by the authority’s business services committee for on-going review and scrutiny.

Provost and Councillor Bill Howatson said: “Make no mistake, we can all see the benefits we have realised from this project, and the work, effort and skill that went in to the restoration.

“The fire itself was tragic, but what we have now is an internationally recognised facility which will continue to draw visitors to Aberdeenshire from across the globe.


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“The importance of restoring this listed building sensitively and accurately cannot be overstated.”

Mr Howatson added: “It is sensible that when the initial project aims are not met, we will carry out a review to make sure we can be clear on why.

“This allows officers to take any learnings back into their future work.

“My congratulations go to everyone who worked to get this important asset open and operational.

“I know it is something of which the Ballater community are rightfully very proud.”

Since the completed station building was revealed, it has received widespread praise, with architects Halliday Fraser Munro lauded for their efforts.

In March they and the partners in the building’s resurrection were awarded the Project of the Year prize at the Aberdeen District Architects’ Awards.

Judges remarked upon the “exceptional 
recreation and reinterpretation of an important historic landmark”, while Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett said they had turned “adversity into opportunity”.