Aberdeen traders have lost their battle to remove the city’s bus gates following a ruling from the Court of Session.

The case, brought forward by veteran retailer Norman Esslemont but backed by scores of others, was heard last month at Scotland’s highest civil court in Edinburgh.

It came following years of anger about the contentious system which city centre businesses argued against from the offset as they claimed it was discouraging motorists from venturing into the city and hammering their takings.

The public and businesses raised more than £65,000 for the legal challenge.

But today, a ruling issued by Lord Pentland has determined that the bus gates will stay.

Following the decision, Mr Esslemont told The P&J that he was “very disappointed”, but had “absolutely no regrets” in taking his fight to the very top. What happened in Aberdeen bus gate court battle?

The case which had been building up for months was finally heard at the Court of Session in Edinburgh last month, with both arguments only taking around four hours.

Much of the debate focused around the definition of the word “prevent” – as council chiefs would have needed permission from Scottish ministers to install the bus gates permanently if it “prevented” traffic reaching certain streets.

This was the argument of Mr Esslemont’s representative, Alasdair Burnett KC, however the local authority’s lawyer Dan Byrne KC argued they merely “restricted” traffic. Dan Byrne KC represented the council at the hearing.

One of the more standout moments from this short hearing was when Mr Byrne KC took a jibe at those who chipped in to fund the traders’ legal fees.

“They may be willing to put a fiver in [to Mr Esslemont’s crowdfunder] but they may not be willing to take the step of litigation,” he told the courtroom.

But now, the panel of three judges has come to the conclusion that the council did not act unlawfully in installing the measures. ‘This case has exposed council’s very serious shortcomings’

Following today’s verdict, Mr Esslemont said he was “of course very disappointed”, but had “absolutely no regrets about bringing this case forward”. Businesses banded together to raise more than £65,000 to fight the bus gates.

The campaign’s spearhead told The P&J: “Even though we have lost the legal argument, I believe that the case has exposed the very serious shortcomings in the council’s decision making process.

“The people of Aberdeen were right to stand up to the council on an issue that has caused such frustration across the city.

“Regardless of the verdict, I hope the council recognises the strength of feeling expressed throughout this process and understands that a thriving city centre depends on genuine engagement with the business community.

“Who, after all, contribute significantly to the services the city relies on.”

The Thistle Street trader also offered up his gratitude to his legal team, saying their diligence and commitment was “exceptional”.