A major conservation and refurbishment of a B-listed bridge Aberdeenshire has been completed.

The historic Polhollick Footbridge, near Ballater, has been repaired by contractors.

Localised improvements were carried out to damaged elements of the bridge.

However, the majority of the structure has been retained in line with best conservation practice, including the original galvanised steel suspension ropes.

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The bridge has also been repainted white, the signature colour adopted for several suspension bridges over the River Dee.

The council's Policy and Resources Committee approved funding of £300,000 earlier this year for the work, while Historic Environment Scotland awarded £120,000 as part of its Building Repair Grant scheme.

Provost Vernal said: "The refurbishment of Polhollick Footbridge presented a significant engineering challenge, owing to the bridge's historic status, as well as working over an environmentally-sensitive river."

To celebrate the reopening of the bridge, the community is invited to walk the trail on 12 October, beginning in Ballater town centre and finishing at the south side of the bridge for the reopening ceremony at 2pm.

(LM/CD)