Ayr's iconic Station Hotel has been left open to the elements - for the second time in a year.
Giant holes have been torn in scaffolding around the building, which is costing the South Ayrshire taxpayer £50,000 per MONTH.
Two growing craters have appeared in the south side of the B-listed structure following recent high winds.
Council chiefs are shelling out £600,000 per year to protect the crumbling pile with a white dome.
They also pay £2,500 per year to the Met Office for a "bespoke" weather forecast warning them of inclement conditions.
But wind has once again ripped through the sheeting put in place to protect both the building and the public walking below.
A four year saga has seen council bosses locked in a legal battle with the hotel's absentee owner Eng Huat Ung.
Officials at County Buildings issued a dangerous building notice in March 2018 as they swooped on the site amid safety concerns.
It has been estimated the building could cost the taxpayer £50 million if it is left to rot for the next 30 years.
Video footage emerged from inside the hotel last year when a group of urban explorers gained access and found water pouring throughout the building.
New council leader, Martin Dowey, has pledged to Compulsory Purchase and then demolish the building if he cannot get Mr Ung round the negotiating table.
However, a local 'Station Hotel Action Group' has also been set up to try and force an eleventh hour reprieve for the building, which dates back to 1885 and was designed by renowned architect Andrew Galloway.
South Ayrshire Council have been contacted for comment.
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