Long-awaited multi-million pound repairs of Aberdeen’s iconic town house roof will be complete by March 15, according to the city council.
Scaffolding has started to be taken down around the tower and the bells have once again started chiming on the hour.
But the project has been criticised after going millions over budget and months behind schedule.
Work on the A-listed building began in August 2014, but has been hit by a series of delays with the cost spiralling to more than £4million.
The renovation was originally due for completion by September 30, with hopes the scaffolding which is in place at the 19th-century building could be taken down by New Year.
The repairs were ordered after lead fell from the roof at the corner of Castle Street and Broad Street, but contractors have encountered a series of complications.
It was discovered there were structural issues within the Town House, including rotten wood in its four towers and loose granite masonry on an attached building.
Finance convener Willie Young said: “I’m delighted that town house roof repairs have been completed and that we now again have one of the most iconic buildings on Union Street back up to scratch.
“It’s been a long process but the damage that was found was more severe than initially thought.
“I think people will welcome the fact that it was this administration that put in the necessary repairs and will enjoy once more hearing the bells chiming.
“We also can’t forget that a piece of masonry fell from the building which could have killed someone. The important thing now is to make sure it doesn’t get to that state again.”
SNP group leader Stephen Flynn said: “I think all people in Aberdeen will be delighted to see the scaffolding finally coming down on what is the jewel of the crown of Union Street.
“Unfortunately the town house roof follows in a long line of capital projects overseen by this Labour-led administration that has gone over time and millions over budget.
“It’s been a shambles and a disaster with no transparency behind the project and that’s why we need to make sure councillors properly scrutinise the progress of major projects of this kind.”
Dominic Fairley of Aberdeen Civic Society said it was “refreshing” the work was due to be completed.
