Council chiefs have revealed that the owner of a north-east hotel which was ravaged by a fire two years ago still owes the local authority £200,000 to pay for demolishing the structure.
The Highland Haven in Macduff was destroyed in a blaze in 2014 and the council was forced to tear down what little was left of the building to make it safe for local people.
The authority has been in prolonged legal discussions with the owners about recovering the costs ever since, but to date no money has been reclaimed.
Aberdeenshire’s infrastructure boss, Stephen Archer, said: “It has been with the legal team to pursue these costs which were significant – £200,000.
“The owning company was dissolved and that makes pursuit of those costs complex.”
However, it is understood there may be movement on the deal in the coming weeks.
The land on which the derelict hotel stood is now being offered to would-be developers for a fraction of its original cost.
Glasgow auctioneers Future Property Auctions has listed the ground as having a guide price of around £50,000.
When the hotel was last sold it fetched £670,000.
The auctioneer’s price cut reflects months of failed attempts to sell the property – it was first offered to buyers in June when the firm said the site was worth £95,000.
Future Property Auctions has previously claimed the land in Macduff is an “excellent redevelopment opportunity” which would boast resale value.
“The site would suit a builder or developer, and with stunning views over the harbour, redevelopment would be sure to be a hit.
“It should attract good interest from investors, speculators, developers and shrewd purchasers. [It is a] super-sized site with frontage onto Shore Street and a prominent road position overlooking the harbour.”
The Highland Haven was last open for business around 2010 and had attracted a reputation locally for housing squatters.
A new auction for the land, which will take place in Glasgow, is scheduled for later this month.