A busy north-east high street which was forced to close in the aftermath of a hotel blaze has reopened ahead of schedule.
Shore Street in Macduff was back in use by single-lane traffic yesterday with traffic lights in place.
Aberdeenshire Council was forced to close the busy street after the Highland Haven Hotel was gutted in a major fire in October.
Concerns for public safety meant the local authority has had to demolish the remains of the structure at the taxpayer’s expense, a process that has taken several weeks.
However, now that the frontage of the building has been torn down and the heavy concrete roof removed, the road has been cleared for vehicles to use.
Aberdeenshire Council’s building standards boss, Robert Gray, said: “I would like to thank the public for their continued patience while the remaining sections of the Highland Haven Hotel are demolished.”
Mr Gray also thanked the council workers and demolition contractors whose quick work meant Shore Street was able to reopen earlier than anticipated.
On Thursday, Aberdeenshire councillors agreed to foot the bill for the demolition of the structure.
A council report revealed the owner’s insurance policy would not cover the cost of the necessary works.
The local authority is bound by national legislation to remove any potential danger to the public.
Under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003, the money spent on the work can ultimately be recovered from the owner.
Council leader Jim Gifford described the blaze as “a fairly traumatic event for the centre of the town”.
More than 70 firefighters were needed to put out the fire and although no one was injured the effects are still being felt by local businesses which have reported a drop in trade.
The closure of the neighbouring Macduff Town Hall for safety reasons also threatened the upcoming Troup by-election.
However, it is understood the building will be open on polling day – November 27 – and that the venue will be used for the count the following day.
Demolition of the hotel is expected to be completed by Wednesday, December 10, with the road reopening to two-way traffic by December 12.