Demolition crews and police arrived at Aberdeen’s Green as council workers attempted to start dismantling the Cafe 52 pavilion at the heart of a bitter months-long battle.
The local authority has been seeking to remove the hut from the cobbled city square for some time.
Bosses behind the new market project say it is blocking access for construction vehicles, and has already caused delays to the £40 million scheme.
Eventually a sheriff granted permission for its removal.
Previous attempts to begin work have been waylaid by Cafe 52 boss Steve Bothwell, however, who has fought to keep it in place.
On Friday, police were called to The Green amid a row over planters being removed by local authority road workers.
What has happened now?
On Monday morning, it all came to a head as workers braved the elements in their bid to start preparations for its removal.
Fraserburgh-based David Smith Demolition vans were parked outside the pavilion and the shepherd’s hut next to it. These were organised by the council.
Police were also called to the scene, and could be seen discussing matters with Mr Bothwell inside the pavilion.
An insider advised they were called for “public safety” reasons.
Mr Bothwell’s mum Dorothy, a member of the Graffiti Grannies collective, was also inside – where she remained as workers began taking apart security cameras installed by the owner.
What are workers doing at The Green today?
The scenes played out as torrential rain battered the roof of the hut.
After a stand-off inside the pavilion, the David Smith vans departed and it’s understood Mr Bothwell negotiated with the council to have his own preferred company take it apart.
As the day progressed, two workers clad in hi-viz vests could be seen carefully taking the structure apart piece by piece.
Mr Bothwell has until next Monday to have it taken down completely.
The local authority has supplied a shipping container which the different parts of the terrace will be stored in after they are dismantled.
The latest action comes after the Cafe 52 owners taped posters to the disputed structure, asking passersby to let him know of any demolition work taking place.
Police have been contacted for comment.
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