Construction has started on a 2km active travel route linking Fraserburgh and Inverallochy across the Water of Philorth.

Backed for years by local councillors and Invercairn Community Council, the Aberdeenshire Council scheme will strengthen connections between the neighbouring coastal communities.

A new steel bridge, fabricated by Perth-based specialists Edwards Engineering, is a centrepiece and will be installed later this year to connect to the former railway line and the popular Formartine and Buchan Way.

The council has secured £420,000 in capital funding from the Scottish Government's Active Travel Infrastructure Fund Tier 2 to help deliver the route, part of wider efforts to promote walking, wheeling and cycling, build healthier communities, boost local economies and support more sustainable travel choices.

With the path running close to Fraserburgh Golf Club, efforts will be made to keep disruption to a minimum during the anticipated five-month build.

Cllr Doreen Mair, chair of the council's Banff and Buchan Area Committee, said: "I am delighted to see works starting on this active travel route between Fraserburgh and Inverallochy and I know it will become a very popular route for many residents from both communities once completed. I would like to thank our local councillors past and present and the community council for their enthusiastic support of this important new link."

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In Garioch, work is also progressing on an active travel project to improve routes through the Kellands area of Inverurie.

A further £120,000 in capital funding from the same Tier 2 programme is paying for upgrades including wide, accessible paths through Kellands Park and junction improvements at Selbie Drive and Kellands Road.

Last year saw an illuminated active travel path installed on the park's eastern side and new all-ability access created to Kellands Primary School. Pedestrians are asked to follow any temporary local path closures while works are under way.

Welcoming the grant award, Cllr Marion Ewenson, chair of the council's Garioch Area Committee, said: "The latest works will continue to enhance the park environment for all users, making it safer, more welcoming and easier to navigate. Our bid was successful, in part, due to the joined-up approach set out in our award-winning Inverurie Integrated Travel Town Masterplan and will support the School Streets scheme which has been introduced at Kellands Primary School. Kellands Park is an extremely busy thoroughfare and these improvements will support much improved access between the schools, community leisure facilities, the hospital campus and the town centre."

Alan Turner, chair of the council's Infrastructure Services Committee, added: "Receiving this level of capital funding is great news for all these communities and such exciting improvements mark a positive step forward for active travel in Aberdeenshire, supporting healthier lifestyles and making it easier for people of all ages and abilities to choose walking, wheeling or cycling for everyday journeys."