South Ayrshire Council has issued an update on the demolition of Ayr's former Station Hotel, weeks after winning its court battle with the absentee owner.

The local authority says the work remains on schedule to be completed by mid-June.

The council also confirmed they were now chasing the hotel owner, Malaysian businessman Sunny Ung, for the cost of the work they have carried out.

The once proud hotel was already in a poor condition and branded a safety risk before fire swept through the building last September.

The blaze caused havoc with rail services to Ayr and trains remain unable to reach the town, as well as Girvan, Maybole and Stranraer.

Shuttle buses have been running between Ayr and Prestwick, between Ayr and Kilmarnock and between Ayr and Stranraer since the autumn, with the lack of through trains affecting local businesses and angering commuters.

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: "Safety works are continuing at the former Station Hotel.

"The contractors are mainly operating by hand at the moment due working in close proximity to the canopy, and we expect machines will be used again soon.  

"The war memorial on platform three will be removed soon and stored safely by Network Rail and ScotRail."

The National: Station Hotel

They continued: "The recent court application by the owner, Mr Ung, to stop the safety works at the site, was refused at an interim interdict hearing on Friday, May 3. The safety works resumed the following morning.

"The council has not, so far, received formal service of any further court papers from the owner’s solicitors.

"The council is continuing to pursue the owner for sums due in respect of the safety works.

"Decrees have been awarded in the council’s favour against the owner in both the Sheriff Court and Court of Session.

"Debt recovery action is being taken in both the United Kingdom and in Malaysia.

"We’re still on schedule for the works to be completed by around mid-June, and we’ll keep you informed as more information becomes available."