SCAFFOLDING that currently supports Ayr’s Station Hotel could remain there for the next five years.

Transport chiefs have warned that the structural support around the hotel, would only be sustainable up until 2025, and that a decision on its future must be made by then.

In a letter penned to dedicated campaigner Esther Clark from Transport Scotland, a spokesperson reveals that the current encapsulation would only last so long if is regularly inspected. 

The letter to Esther reads: “I have been advised that the current building safety encapsulation can remain in place for approximately 5 years, provided there are regular inspections to ensure it remains secure.

“It is clearly desirable that a decision on the building’s future should be made well within that timeframe.”

Esther Clark who has campaigned tirelessly to save the crumbling building, hopes that a decision on its future can be made sooner rather than later.

She told the Advertiser: “There is a feeling around that this can’t continue much longer, something needs to be done.”

Esther had written to Michael Matheson Cabinet Secretary for Transport, and Fiona Jane Hyslop is a Scottish politician who is the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, but was told the query would be dealt with Transport Scotland.

The letter also reveals that a task force headed up by Transport Scotland’s Rail Director, Bill Reeve met on December, 4 last year where it was agreed that a feasibility study should be undertaken to assist South Ayrshire Council in coming to a decision in the future of the building.

Last year, a structural report carried out by Mott MacDonald for SAC shone light on some 1,000 defects, and that repairs would cost up to £10 million.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity is expected to meet up with SAC in the coming weeks.
A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: "The Council took action to secure the dangerous building in 2018 under the powers available to it through the Building (Scotland) Act 2003. The building remains in private ownership but the Council as part of the Scottish Government Task Force is involved in discussions around its future."