Historic council buildings in a north-east town are poised for a major overhaul.
A trio of local authority offices in Banff are getting a make-over as part of an ongoing property shake-up.
Aberdeenshire Council has awarded the contract for the work to top Scottish building firm Morrison Construction.
The initial phase of the project, which will begin next week, involves creating a marriage room and new modern offices at premises on Low Street and Carmelite Street.
After the first stage, which is expected to last four weeks, contractors will moved onto Seafield House for major refurbishment work to provide a base for NHS staff.
A third stage will involve a revamp of the town house. It will begin early next year and run for about six months.
By autumn 2016, all council staff in Banff and Macduff will be located in these offices.
Banff and Buchan area committee chairman John Cox said: “I welcome any investment in the Banff and district ward and this will further support town centre regeneration.
“The development should lead to a much improved working environment and may address the concerns regarding recruitment and retention of staff in the locality.”
He added: “It will give a significant boost to local retailers and will be the catalyst for further developments in the short to medium term.”
The council’s head of property Allan Whyte added: “Employees who are most likely to be affected by the works are being kept informed by their managers and a facilitation team has been established to support the smooth transition of new working arrangements and office moves.”
Other offices in the area will be closed once all staff are transferred. They are likely to be sold on, although their future use will be considered after construction work is completed.