Extensive repairs will be required to an historic Aberdeen library after unstable masonry and water damage was found on the roof.
Aberdeen Central Library on Rosemount Viaduct has been under scaffolding since May.
A council spokeswoman last night confirmed that “various issues” across “several roofs” had been discovered, following an investigation by a steeplejack.
The library opened in 1892 after a group of residents raised the funds to build the impressive granite structure costing £10,000.
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said last night: “Scaffolding was erected outside the library at the end of May and an initial investigation was carried out by a steeplejack.
“The investigation highlighted various issues, primarily relating to a number of unstable parapet coping stones.
“Emergency repairs took place, including the removal of loose parapet coping stones.
“Following the initial works, a full survey was completed. This identified requirements across several roofs.
“The identified repair work will be carried out to provide a long-term solution to water penetration. Work is due to start shortly.”
The cost of the repairs has yet to be determined.
In June 2013, work began to install a new lift at the Victorian library after the old lift was scrapped in February earlier that year.
But the project was delayed with work only finished that September.
In February 2014, stormy weather was blamed after a large chunk of plaster crashed on to the main staircase, forcing the city council to close the area while an inspection was carried out.
The authority has set aside £100,000 in its budget to carry out work on the roof of the city landmark to identify any problems.
Work to the town house roof eventually cost £4million, after masonry problems were detected in April 2014, with the work eventually completed this year.
Midstocket and Rosemount councillor Bill Cormie said: “I find this news very worrying because, only three years ago, similar problems were found after plaster collapsed onto the main staircase.
“We were very lucky this happened at night and nobody was hurt.
“I was led to believe that the £100,000 allocated for those subsequent works would have solved this problem, so I’m very disappointed.
“On a daily basis, people approach me asking about the scaffolding on the library so it is vital that this is given attention.”
