Work is now underway to deliver a £9m investment to upgrade and replace the glass roof at Aberdeen station, Network Rail has announced.

Existing glass panels, which are prone to cracking and discolouration, will be replaced with modern light-weight polycarbonate glazing and a new roof access system will also be installed for future maintenance on the listed structure.

Previously, a lack of access to the roof had led to deterioration of the historic Grade A-listed structure including from corrosion, damp, dirt, vegetation and pigeon guano.

The polycarbonate glazing system which is being used is strong, corrosion resistant and self-cleaning and delivers a modern, innovative solution to the problems with the station's roof and is similar to systems already successfully deployed at Haymarket and Stirling stations.

As well as improving the overall environment in a lighter, brighter station, this work will safeguard the listed station building. Making the roof water tight and enhancing the guttering and drainage will protect the retained timbers and metal work from further corrosion. All timber and metal work will be cleaned and painted to further enhance the appearance of the city station.

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Michael McArthur, Network Rail project manager, said: "Stations are at the heart of communities as well as being an important part of the overall experience of travelling on our railway. Their appearance and condition should reflect this important role.

"Investing in Aberdeen station will protect and preserve the building's unique appearance and character while at the same time helping deliver a brighter more comfortable station environment.

"On a practical level, this investment will also make it easier for us to clean and maintain the station in the future and ensure that it remains a welcoming space for our customers joining the rail network."

Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, said: "These works are a welcome improvement for the station which a lot of commuters and passengers will benefit from. With major investment and upgrades to the Aberdeen to Inverness rail route and improvements to services from the central belt, our city needs to have a station that is fit for purpose and prepared to cope with growing travel demands.

"I've had constituents contact me who are very keen to see upgrades as soon as possible to the roof and sheltered areas, and I will be delighted to confirm to them the work has now started."

Work will be completed by late 2019. It will be delivered in phases to minimise the impact on the operation of the station and hoardings will be in place throughout to physically segregate the work from the public areas of the station.

There will be no disruption to train services due to this work.