Aberdeenshire councillors have pledged their commitment to a Fraserburgh restoration project and will seek a new contractor to complete the work.
The authority made the vow after Banff construction firm AD Walker went into administration and conservation work on the Faithlie Centre stalled.
In a private discussion yesterday, Aberdeenshire Council have made a commitment to find a new contractor to ensure the works would be finished.
Despite the initiative beginning in May 2017, significant work is still required on the building which is a key project in the development of the Fraserburgh 2021 Regeneration Scheme.
The multi-million pound venture to regenerate the ex-council chambers was originally approved by councillors in November 2016.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “It is disappointing to hear the news about this local Aberdeenshire firm.
“They were a fundamental part of the redevelopment of Saltoun Square in Fraserburgh and were involved with other council projects using their skills in historic building restoration.
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“We are working with colleagues across services, and with the administrator, to agree what the next steps are for this and future projects.”
It was agreed by full council that regular update reports would be presented to both the Business Services Committee and the Banff and Buchan Area Committee.
As part of the work, an application for listed building consent has been submitted for the removal of ornate dado lincrusta wall coverings from the lower half of three internal walls in the Faithlie Centre.
Planning officers have recommended the removal be approved on the condition a safe removal method is found as it “would not adversely affect the historical character” of the building.
The objection to stripping the decorative panelling, which has been described as brittle in the report, was lodged by Architectural Heritage Society Scotland.
William Brogden, cases panel convenor for the north-east branch of the society, lodged the objection.
It states: “The pale yellow paintwork with the white cornice cove and ceiling, the paintings, door and window casings, with the dado constitutes the room’s quality.
“The Lincrusta material of the dado is integral to the quality of the listed building which, of course, includes this interior.
“Therefore, rather than remove it, it should be repaired or replaced where needed. In other words, conserved.”
The Banff and Buchan Area Committee will decide the outcome on Tuesday.
