War memorial protected during work at Ayr Station Hotel

Safety work is continuing at the fire-ravaged Station Hotel in Ayr - with action being taken to protect Ayr's war memorial during the process.

South Ayrshire Council said today (Friday, January 12) that debris was continuing to be cleared at the site.

Now a metal cover has been installed at the war memorial on the south end of the building to protect it from the works.

The fire at the hotel in September last year caused major chaos in the town centre.

Ayr Advertiser: Ayr's War Memorial Ayr's War Memorial (Image: Michael Allan)

Flames and smoke poured out of the building after the fire took hold, with huge structural damage evident at the landmark property.

A total of 15 fire appliances raced to the scene as firefighters battled to control the inferno, which caused the building's spire to collapse.

The blaze saw smoke and debris affect neighbouring properties.

Ayr Advertiser: How the station hotel looks now How the station hotel looks now (Image: Newsquest)

Train services to and from Ayr were cancelled for weeks as work was carried out to make the hotel building safe.

A shuttle train service is now running from the station while the works continues.

Campaign and heritage groups still insist the hotel building can be saved for future use, though a full demolition still looks likely.

The Ayr Station Hotel is privately owned by reclusive Malaysian businessmen Mr Ung, who has a registered business address in London.

A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "We'll continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available."

War memorial protected as work on fire-ravaged Station Hotel continues