Probe over granite steps removed from Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens

Union Terrace Gardens is in the heart of Aberdeen

Aberdeen City Council has launched an investigation into the removal of granite steps from Union Terrace Gardens.

The historic gardens originally opened in 1879 and have been undergoing a £28m redevelopment since 2019.

The Press and Journal newspaper revealed a probe was under way after images emerged of the slabs piled in a residential garden in the city.

The council will meet with contractors on Wednesday to discuss the situation.

Planning permission for the work stipulated that original granite from the site had to be reused there.

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A spokeswoman for the council said the slabs pictured in the newspaper were from Union Terrace Gardens.

She said it had been confirmed by the sub-contractor involved in moving and storing the granite.

"Officers are meeting with the main contractor tomorrow [Wednesday] to discuss the matter in further detail and to inform any further action that may be appropriate," she added.

The spokeswoman added that a review would be carried out separately to consider "whether any breach of contract had occurred on behalf of any responsible party".

Lib Dem councillor Ian Yuill told BBC Scotland: "I think the most important thing of all is that the truth is determined as quickly as possible and that no more granite is removed from the site in any unauthorised way.

"I would like to see the granite sitting elsewhere returned to Union Terrace Gardens."

Contractor Balfour Beatty has also been asked for comment.