A town in Royal Deeside has heralded the unveiling of a new coat of arms.
Banchory’s original crest lapsed after it ceased to be a burgh when local government was re-organised in the 1970s.
Now, following two years of work from the community council, the town has secured itself a new symbol, which is an updated version of the previous one.
Mary Lennox, chairwoman of the community council, said: “There’s been a feeling in Banchory for a number of years that we needed a new coat of arms.
“Because we inherit the rights of the old burgh, if we want them, it was up to the community council to look into it.
“It’s a little different in that it features a new crown on top, but other than that it has the original features.”
The arms feature St Ternan, patron saint of the parish, who is believed to have founded a Christian settlement there in the 5th century.
In order to get the new crest approved the community council applied for permission to Lord Lyon, who controls heraldry in Scotland.
Yesterday it was unveiled at a ceremony in the Banchory Lodge Hotel, to an audience of about 50 people.
The lord attended the ceremony and handed over the coat of arms to the community council, alongside the Lord Lieutenant and Provost Bill Howatson.
Fiddler Paul Anderson played a specially-composed tune which he had written for the handover.
The hope is that the new arms would adorn items such as public benches when they are newly-erected in the future.
Anyone who organises a community event can also apply to use the crest.
The community council has organised a drop-in event where the public can come and view the arms and learn about the history of the town from the Banchory Heritage Society.
The drop-in takes place in the town hall and runs from 12.30pm-3.30pm.
