A flood-hit Deeside community has welcomed a new business into the village.
Aberdeen firm, Ian Rodger Architects, has opened up a regional branch in Bridge Street, called Deeside Design Studios.
The business is occupying the former site of D’Tangled hairdressing salon, which was damaged during December’s deluge and now shares premises with the Hair Loft in Netherley Place.
The office will be staffed by Sarah Russell, who was forced out of her home by the floods, and fellow Ballater resident, David Cobban, who works as a quantity surveyor for McCue and Porter.
Mr Rodger said the firm had always planned to open an office in the village but were delighted they could breathe new life into a disused building.
He said: “We have spent considerable time and money to have the property repaired and enhanced, recognising how important it is to Ballater that Bridge Street gets back into working order as soon as possible.
“It’s noticeable that there is a strong community spirit in Ballater, and we look forward to expanding our Deeside workload as part of its business community.”
Richard Watts, chairman of Ballater Business Association, said the new investment is a major step forward in the village’s recovery.
He said: “We welcome the opening of Deeside Design Studio and look forward to the firm becoming a valued part of our business community. I am sure it will gain benefits from being part of our forum and the opportunities this provides through promoting communication between local businesses and the exchanging of ideas.”
