A north-east road which was controversially shut for three months has faced further delays, despite transport chiefs promising it would be open last week.
The Lairhillock to Portlethen road at Rothnick has been impassable since the spring as part of the construction of the Aberdeen bypass.
The controversial closure caused uproar among locals and a public meeting was held in May where transport chiefs were grilled in front of about 50 people.
Earlier this month, Transport Scotland insisted the road would reopen last Monday, two weeks earlier than originally planned.
However, a week on and the route remains closed with work still ongoing as recently as yesterday. It is understood Aberdeen Roads Limited – the construction firm behind the scheme – had been hoping to reopen it today. However, that has not been confirmed.
Last night the owner of the Lairhillock Inn said the delay had been another blow to his business.
Sandy Law previously claimed the closure was the equivalent of a harsh winter for the business.
“I was expecting the road to be reopen so we could get some of our trade back,” he said. “I have heard it’s going to be open soon but I’m not going to hold my breath. What we are going through just now is what normally happens at winter time. I reckon it could cost us between £10,000-12,000.
“I’m hoping we can get some trade going before the summer ends”, he added.
Transport Scotland was unable to confirm exactly when the road would reopen but said it would be soon. A spokesman said: “Despite the best efforts of the contractor, some works took longer than expected.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and the local community, who will soon be able to make use of this road again, as well as a new bridge carrying them over the AWPR. The road is expected to open shortly.”