Concerns have been voiced over the appearance of more unsightly scaffolding in one of Inverness’ most historic streets.
The complaints arose shortly after the reopening of the Town House, following its multi-million-pound refurbishment.
Work was started after a Dangerous Buildings Notice was issued on January 22 for the Castle Street property, next door to kiltmakers Duncan Chisholm & Sons Ltd.
Initially, there was a serious issue with congestion, due to temporary traffic lights being placed outside the address to make it safe for motorists and those working on the building.
But that was removed on Friday restoring the busy two-way traffic on Friday with a walkway for pedestrians.
However, the scaffolding will remain in place for the next 12 weeks while work is done on the building that dates as far back as the 18th century.
Highland Councillor Bet McAllister said: “We have to make it safe for the general public, so I think the council has done the right thing.
“It is a wee bit of an irritation we’ve been trying to get something done about. It was a bit of a problem when the traffic lights were there.
“Obviously, because it is a listed building, HES (Historic Environment Scotland) has been informed.”
She added: “We couldn’t leave it as it was – the owners understand that it was in a dangerous condition.”
Highland Council responded the work was being carried out to “avoid risk to the public” and confirmed the owners will pay the costs at a later date.
The vacant premises are on Historic Environment Scotland’s buildings-at-risk register and this is the second time in two years it has been issued with a Dangerous Buildings Notice.
The chairman of the Inverness Civic Trust, James Maxwell, said: “It is one of the prime examples of old Inverness.”
Far from blaming the owners, Duncan Chisholm & Sons Ltd, Mr Maxwell insisted the problem with safeguarding such properties was the lack of available support.
He said: “There is no assistance available and a Grade-B listed building probably wouldn’t get it anyway, because up until 2016 there was VAT relief on repairs.”
It is understood the cost of a complete restoration could see the costs run into millions.
