Scaffolding which has blighted a north-east town centre for nearly four years is finally coming down.
Workmen have started dismantling the widely unpopular structure at Chapel Street in Peterhead, clearing the way for work on a long-awaited 60-bedroom hotel.
The scaffolding was erected in 2010 to cover a dilapidated three-storey tenement block, amid fears its stonework was unstable. Floor supports were also fitted inside the building as a precaution.
Once cleared, work can begin on bringing the block up to standard before the final hotel conversion can begin. The work will, however, mean a new set of scaffolding being fitted.
Peterhead councillor Anne Allan said: “This is a very positive step forward. I think a lot of people will be glad to see the back of the old scaffolding, which was put in place to keep the building safe.
“Although there will be more scaffolding coming in, it will mean that work on the building is finally underway and hopefully it shouldn’t take too long.”
Local businesses had blamed the unsightly scaffolding for a downturn in trade.
National chain Travelodge is now in talks with the building’s owner, Brickbridge Ltd, which is part of the Aberdeen-based Ardent Group.
The hotel firm said it hopes to make an official announcement about the site soon.
The block, numbered 16-24, will require a complete overhaul before it can be used again.
The condition of the building’s roof has worsened over the years and rainwater caused considerable damage inside flats at number 16.
The site, which sold at auction for £108,000 in 2010, was originally four terraced tenement buildings which dated back to the late 19th century.
A vacant shop on the ground floor will be transformed into a reception area for the hotel.