An antique restorer who counts the Queen among his satisfied customers is being kicked out of his premises to make way for flats.
Angus Shepard, the owner of Awakening Restorations in Aberdeen’s Torry area, has been breathing new life into treasures such as antique doors, fireplaces and windows since his business opened in 1982.
His successful commissions have included a fountain at Balmoral Castle – the royal family’s summer retreat on Deeside.
But after 33 years as a tenant of the old netting shed next to the now-derelict Victoria Road School, Mr Shepard is searching for a new base.
The move is being forced on him as a result of the sale of the site to Barratt Homes last year.
The deal struck by Aberdeen City Council also included areas of ground around the school buildings – including Mr Shepard’s premises.
It means he faces the mammoth task of transferring thousands of solid pine doors, stained glass windows and other antiques to a new location by April 30.
Mr Shepard said: “Right now everything is in limbo, we have so many items that need to be relocated before the lease runs out.
“I understand that business is business, and that the council has every right to do what they will with their own property.
“We were given an extra six months instead of the usual one month’s notice to vacate, but we have had to keep working throughout the duration to keep in business.
“We have been offered a replacement building by the council in Bankhead, but unfortunately it’s quite a bit smaller than the two buildings we currently occupy, and it’s just made of breeze blocks.
“But we are remaining optimistic that we will be able to carry on, after all we have a very experienced, specialised business.”
A spokeswoman for the city council said it had done what it could to support Mr Shepard.
“We advised the tenant approximately two years ago that the premises would be sold as part of the former Victoria Road School site,” she said.
“Although, we are only required to give a tenant 30 days notice to vacate premises, on this occasion we gave the tenant six months notice.
“We have also provided details of alternative council facilities, which are vacant and available to rent.”