A group of gamekeepers, who helped a flood-affected Deeside village get back on its feet, have been given a prestigious award.
More than 300 homes and 60 businesses were devastated in the deluge sparked by Storm Frank, causing millions of pounds worth of damage.
A major clean-up operation followed, and Grampian Moorland Group was quick to offer its help to the region.
Around 70 group members teamed up with South Grampian Wildfire Group to remove tonnes of debris from the River Dee so the village could prepare for the 2016 tourist season.
In recognition of its efforts, the group has received the Working with Communities award at the Spring Conference of Scottish Land and Estates in Edinburgh.
Collecting the honour on behalf of Grampian Moorland Group, co-ordinator Lianne MacLennan said: “The critical thing, at a very worrying time for the community, was the small part the gamekeepers played in helping Ballater try to get back to some sense of normality, if it could be described as that.
“So many people lost so much through Storm Frank and it would have been even more devastating, at that time, if the village had missed out on tourism during the popular high season.
“The keepers were only doing what everyone else did; rallying around in a time of need.”
There were dozens of battered caravans and home appliances strewn in the river and surrounding fields.
Heavy machinery from local estates helped free items such as mattresses and beer kegs from waterways and surrounding trees.
The award was part of the inaugural Helping It Happen national awards which recognise conservation, innovation and community effort among Scottish rural businesses.
Tim Baynes of Scottish Land and Estates said: “The Grampian Moorland Group is one of seven similar groups around Scotland which play their part in strengthening the rural economy.”
On Monday, the UK Government was accused of acting too slowly to secure flood victims in Aberdeenshire with a share of £52million worth of relief.
