A popular tourist attraction has reopened in Aberdeenshire.

The famous Feugh Footbridge, which overlooks the Falls of Feugh had closed for refurbishment.

The paint on the footbridge was discovered to no longer be preventing corrosion and during the redevelopment work, significant corrosion was found on the bridge. Parts of the structure underneath the steel deck also needed repair in order to maintain the integrity of the bridge.

Work on the steel was carried out by Moray Blast Cleaning Services, who were awarded the contract by the Aberdeenshire Council, and this necessitated the use of scaffolding to access the affected parts of the bridge and a total environmental containment system, given the sensitivity of the site.

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Following surface preparation and structural repairs, a four-coat protective paint system was applied, while new mesh infill panels and anti-slip fibreglass-reinforced decking were also installed.

Chair of the Marr Area Committee, Moira Ingleby, said: "The Falls of Feugh are an important tourist attraction and carrying out these essential works will extend the service life of the structure and reduce future maintenance requirements for the benefit of local communities."

Vice Chair, Joanna Strathdee, added: "It's great to see the scaffolding come off the bridge and the project completed.

"We have to thank residents and local businesses for their patience during these essential works, which help secure the future of the footbridge."

A short distance from Banchory town centre, the Feugh Footbridge is a popular site for tourists and families watching salmon leaping, and runs parallel to the B-listed Feugh road bridge.

(JP/CD)