A Deeside hotel, which was destroyed by a huge blaze two years ago, is almost ready to re-open.
And the owners of the Darroch Learg in Ballater confirmed the building could be back in business by late July – in time to welcome summer guests.
The B-listed hotel, built dramatically into the slopes of the Craigendarroch Hill, was destroyed in February 2015 after fire ripped through the second floor and spread to the roof.
Around 60 firefighters fought to save the structure. And last night, the building’s owner, Nigel Franks, said the refurbishment project was nearing completion with the interiors currently being fitted.
Work to the exterior of the Darroch Learg has now been completed.
Mr Franks owns the hotel with his wife, Fiona. And the couple suffered a double blow when their Ballater eatery, the Station Restaurant, was destroyed in a separate fire at the Royal Station in May 2015.
They were also forced to move out of their home, adjoining the Darroch Learg, following the blaze at the site.
Mr Franks added: “We have made massive progress since the fire, the new windows are in and we are fitting out the inside at the moment with the partitions and so on.
“It is making progress, but slower than we had hoped. It will be back in July, but not before then. What is done is looking good at the moment.
“As far as the building goes, it was very, very damaged. The water damage was also catastrophic for the building.
“But we have saved the original pine from the ground floor. We were left with basically four walls, some flooring and nothing on the second floor – that was absolutely destroyed.
“It has been very time-consuming and very expensive. The character of the building from the outside looks pretty good, and we have got to find the right character inside too.
“A lot of people have been supportive and wishing us well which is very nice, and touching.”
When Storm Frank hit Ballater on December 30, 307 homes and 60 businesses were estimated to have flooded. As recently as the New Year, many locals remained out of their homes.
Mr Franks added: “Ballater always looks pretty, but the floods were a setback for the village and a lot of people were out of their houses. It is still a beautiful area.”
