Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed the restoration of Stonehaven Clock Tower has reached an important milestone.

The first phase of work on the 18th century B-listed building has now been completed, with external work on the clock tower coming to an end.

The exterior work on the building included cleaning and re-pointing of all the stonework, the repair and replacement of rotten timbers, restoration of the original windows, installation of new balustrades, the replacement of missing slate to bell cote and repainting of exposed timbers, all to make the property wind and water tight.

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In addition, the lead work around the spire was replaced along with the full repair and restoration of the weather dial. The project will also see the return of the original barometer.

The second phase of the project, which will transform the interior of the building, is now expected to commence this month and, when completed, will allow the public inside the building for the first time.

Work on this phase is scheduled to be completed by late spring 2014.

The local authority said the North East Preservation Trust (NESPT) was appointed to manage the landmark project and is working alongside David Chouman Architects.

Councillor Carl Nelson, Chair of the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee, said: "The clock tower is one of the towns best known landmarks and it was the local communities desire to see the building brought back to life that was the main catalyst in Aberdeenshire Council pressing forward with the project.

"Stonehaven's historic harbour area already attracts tourists from all over the world and the clock tower renovation will only add to the historic interest and cultural attraction of the area as well as further boosting visitor numbers."

(JP)