Contractors will work without interruption to complete the Usher Hall project once this year's Edinburgh International Festival is over.

The project team made the decision to press ahead in collaboration with the RSNO and the SCO.

Both organisations have been able to make alternative arrangements for their forthcoming seasons in order to allow the project to move ahead as fast as possible. The orchestras will be provided with financial compensation by the City of Edinburgh Council.

City Culture Leader, Deidre Brock, said: "I'm delighted that the RSNO and the SCO have been so supportive throughout this difficult process and we look forward to welcoming them to the Usher Hall when work is completed next year.


"In November 2007, we changed elements of the design to ensure that the project could be completed to a high standard. We had hoped, at that stage, to be able to accommodate the orchestras for the full 08/09 season but following a difficult few months on-site and delays to the programme of work, the time and costs involved mean that this isn't feasible.

"We can now press on and get work finished in spite of the difficulties. We are dealing with a very old, very stubborn building that's been immensely difficult to work with but we are getting there, and it will be worth it because we will deliver a fantastic venue for the city."

The costs associated with making the hall available to the Festival and for compensating the orchestras currently being finalised.

Over the past six months contractors have focused attention on the new wing, the basement and the podium. This has required considerable intrusion into the building's structure that revealed unexpected deficiencies in the fabric of the building. As a result, there have been a number of time consuming changes to plans and additional investigatory work which has compounded delays.

(GK/JM)