Scaffolding was erected back in June last year as part of safety measures in response to masonry falling from the building.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) then conducted an intrusive fabric survey of the stonework at Ayr Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court.
The survey revealed issues with the dexterity and integrity of the stone on the building, largely due to its age.
As a precaution, the front façade was made safe through the installation of scaffolding and protective netting to prevent further stone from falling.
The FOI request has now revealed that the first phase of the project – which covered the survey, specialist consultant costs and scaffolding – cost £198,753 between July 2024 and July 2025.
The second phase involving stone repair and associated scaffolding costs has cost £64,145 from July this year and is still ongoing.
When pressed further on progress, a spokesperson for the SCTS confirmed that the anticipated completion date for the works is May 29, 2026.
The foundation stone was laid in 1818 and the building was completed in 1822 at a total cost of more than £30,000.
The building contained the Justiciary Court and also the County Buildings. The former County Hall now serves as courtroom two.
In common with many court buildings of the time, there was originally a prison to the rear of the court.
This was demolished in the 1930s and the site used to erect the Ayr County Buildings, which are now the home of South Ayrshire Council.
The courthouse was refurbished in the early 1990s and some courts and offices to the west date to this period.
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