Work on an extensive £2.5 million refurbishment project at Gleneagles Hotel has ground to a halt following the discovery of asbestos.
It was revealed on Tuesday that a “small amount” of the potentially harmful material had been found in the roof space of the Dormy Clubhouse.
The management team at the five-star resort immediately ordered workers off the site and consulted the Health and Safety Executive.
If inhaled as fibres, asbestos can cause several debilitating or even fatal diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
The building, which was due for completion later this month, has now been closed and it is not known when work will restart.
A Gleneagles spokesperson said, “A very small amount of asbestos was found in the roof space of the Dormy house, which is undergoing redevelopment work.
“The Gleneagles health and safety officers followed protocol and closed the building and stopped the work as a result.”
They added, “They are now consulting with the Health and Safety Executive and the contractors carrying out the work.”
The clubhouse closed in October so it could be given a facelift for the 2014 Ryder Cup and is part of a development programme for Gleneagles.
Since 2007, £18 million has been invested in the hotel.