A north-east road will remain closed until next year, Aberdeenshire Council has announced.
A section of the Bracoden to Crovie route had to be closed last month when it began to show damage following a landslip in the area.
It first began to show signs of wear back in January.
And now, following inspections, council road engineers have suggested that it remain closed until the road can be stabalised which could mean motorists are unable to pass through the C37L until spring.
The road can still be used for pedestrian access to the village, which can also be reached via a footpath from the public car park.
Last night, a spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said a firm has already been commissioned to repair the road.
Work is expected to start in January and take about eight weeks to complete.
“As the design process develops the programme will be refined and information updates provided to the local community,” he added.
“A plan has been agreed with the emergency services to ensure access to Crovie until the road re-opens.
“Aberdeenshire Council is in regular contact with residents and property owners and, where possible, allowing controlled vehicular access and the delivery of essential fuel supplies.”
The authority’s head of roads, landscape and waste services, Philip McKay, added: “Clearly, after inspecting the road stability this is a necessary road closure in the interest of public safety and cannot be avoided.
“However we apologise for any inconvenience and thank residents for their cooperation.
“We are progressing plans to address the problem as quickly as possible and will aim to keep the community informed of progress towards reopening the road to vehicles.”
