Additional work sees delay to opening of former AI Welders building in Academy Street, Inverness as new Cairngorm Brewery pub and restaurant
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A treasure trove of additional mosaic work has been found hidden behind the frontage of the former AI Welders building, currently being developed into a bar and restaurant.
Mosaics high on the frontage of the 18th century building in Academy Street have been known about for decades, but the rediscovered mosaic work is lower down, above the ground floor windows.
It comprises the original name of the works – The Rose Street Foundry & Engineering Works Limited.
The discovery has contributed to a delay into the New Year for opening of the new conversion being carried out by Aviemore-based Cairngorm Brewery, under the name Cairngorm Taverns Ltd.
Managing director Sam Faircliff said: "We are probably looking at the end of January, but it is going to be so amazing we don't want to rush things and open before we are completely ready.
"The discovery of these additional mosaics was like icing on a cake. The workers were chipping away at old paintwork and discovered the beautiful work behind. They are absolutely gorgeous.
"Unfortunately everything behind the mosaics was rotten, so we decided to remove the mosaics, have them restored and renew what was behind.
"They are back in place now, and with the scaffolding removed from the front of the building is looking stunning."
Cairngorm, which is carrying out the transformation with a £960,000 grant from the Inverness Townscape Heritage Project, is also waiting for delivery of a spiral staircase that is being built in Sweden.
While the building inside is still largely a construction site, the bars and the sizeable scale of the interior can now be seen inside.
The sensitive restoration project has earned praise from the local public and heritage groups.
Councillor Jimmy Gray, chairman of the Inverness Townscape Heritage Project said it was delighted at progress on what will be a jewel in the new look Academy Street, and working with "such enthusiastic owners" to bring it to fruition.
Specialists from the Mosaic Restoration Company were commissioned to bring the front of the building back to how it would have looked in its heyday.
