Work has begun on the next leg of an Aberdeenshire’s castle’s restoration.
Specialist masons have arrived at Ellon Castle Gardens to repair the walls which surround the grounds below the terrace.
It marks the next step in the widespread renovation of the site, which was first completed in the mid-17th century.
Ellon Castle Community Trust was handed the keys to the building and its sprawling gardens in 2015.
The group has since set about breathing new life into the site so it can become a prime attraction for visitors to the town.
Alan Cameron, the trust’s director of community involvement, said: “Over the years the walls, which were built in 1715, have got wear and tear and need maintenance and renovation.
“It’s a big project, it will take 19 weeks to complete the project, which involves rebuilding and re-pointing some of the walls.
“The correct conservation materials have to be used so we have got specialist masons on board.
“The next step after that will be building the toilets which would make it much easier to open to the public.
“In the long-term we’re wanting to build a heritage room which will tell the history of the gardens and the history of the town.
“Eventually in the not too distant future we hope this can become a major tourist attraction.”
Over the years, the grounds – which are overshadowed by the ruins of the castle – have become overgrown.
There is also work under way on two sundials, which date back to the 1700s and 1800s, will be renovated after sustaining vandalism and other damage over the years.
The group will receive £10,450 from the Mushroom Trust, a charity which supports improvements to community gardens.
The larger structure is about 10ft in height and is believed to be one of only two “multi-faceted” dials in existence – the other being in Pitmedden Gardens.
Its multiple sides meant that the time could be worked out no matter what side the sun was facing.
The other structure has a grim and sad history as it is dedicated to former laird Baillie Gordon’s sons, two of whom were murdered by their tutor after he tried to cover up his affair with a servant.
The four-headed piece, each representing a son, has been covered up to protect it in recent years but occupies a prominent place on the upper terrace.
