Work to restore and re-open a 15th century church will begin in the coming weeks.
Tullich Kirk, just east of Ballater, has been closed to the public for five years after its structure collapsed sparking safety fears.
However Aberdeenshire Council announced there would be a £250,000 project to help restore the scheduled monument, which is one of the oldest Christian sites in the region.
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The kirk was also home to an ancient collection of carved symbol stones, including a class-one Pictish stone and font.
These were removed in the 1990s for safe keeping and conservation.
But part of the project will be a new display shelter to house the stones, which will be returned to the site.
Another two smaller stones have been taken to the recently re-opened Old Royal Station in Ballater.
The installation will include a video featuring 3D laser scanning of the site developed in partnership with the Robert Gordon University.
Peter Argyle, infrastructure services convener and councillor for the Upper Deeside area, said: “Deeside has a fascinating history, with settlements dating back thousands of years and many of the visitors who come here want to be able to see and feel connections with the past.
“This project will further enable people to get close to and appreciate the history of our ancestors in this area, what life may have been like for them and what was important to them.
“Winters here can be very hard and Tullich Kirk and the symbol stones have weathered a great many of them, meaning they really need the attention this project will provide to ensure they are there for the benefit of generations to come.”
LDN Architects have been appointed to develop and design the repairs and new elements with stonemason Stewart Urquhart responsible for the work.
Last November the Duke of Rothesay also announced a project to breathe new life into the kirkyard, which is also a scheduled monument.
The prince’s foundation planned to enlist five students from its building community programme to carry out the work.
The council’s project is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
The project is funded by Aberdeenshire Council in partnership with Wolfson Foundation, Heritage Lottery Fund, Cairngorm Leader (local Action group) and Historic Environment Scotland.
