Work has started on rebuilding a Victorian Deeside station which was destroyed by a fire almost two years ago.
The B-listed Ballater Old Royal Station was severely damaged on May 12, 2015 when a blaze engulfed the wooden building.
More than 50 firefighters battled the flames for around six hours, and although they could not salvage much, they miraculously managed to save the royal carriage and part of the royal waiting room.
Aberdeenshire Council has since committed to a £3million redevelopment of the site, transforming it into a community facility and square.
And yesterday the first turf was ceremoniously cut to mark the beginning of the project which is hoped will return the north-east landmark to its former glory.
The building was historically used by the Royal Family travelling to nearby Balmoral Castle and has been a tourist magnet for the town.
But in order to allow the project to progress the Victorian railway carriage – which is an exact replica of one used by Queen Victoria – has been removed. It will be reinstated nearer completion as one of the main attractions.
Aberdeenshire Provost Hamish Vernal was on hand at the ceremony yesterday to cut the turf.
He used a spade and wheelbarrow originating from the construction of Ballater Railway Station by the Great North of Scotland Railway Company in 1865.
He said: “Ballater has had a tough time lately. The fire was a terrible tragedy along with the devastation suffered as a consequence of Storm Frank.
“However, I can see real progress with many shops open for business again and more and more residents returned to their homes. Therefore, it is great to see another milestone achieved through the start of the construction work to redevelop the Old Royal Station.
The building had been leased to VisitScotland for the last 15 years and housed a visitor information centre, restaurant, museum, clothes shop and photography business.
Jo Robinson, VisitScotland regional director, said: “I am delighted that real progress is being made with bringing Ballater’s Old Royal Station back to life.
“The redeveloped station will be the jewel in the crown of the tourism offering in Upper Deeside and I very much look forward to seeing this come to fruition.”
The principle elevations of the original building will be reproduced matching the Victorian architecture and detailing, including Queen Victoria’s waiting room.
The station was opened in October 1866 by the Great North of Scotland Railway and was the nearest station to Balmoral Castle. It closed in February 1966.
Historic Environment Scotland awarded a grant of £107,500 towards the project.
