A Neolithic landmark in Orkney is to reopen with a new shuttle bus service.
Maeshowe had been closed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) after health and safety fears were raised about its car park and access road.
Now visitors to the chambered cairn will be bused from Skara Brae visitor centre to the site at three set times in the day as an interim measure.
The visitor centre and car park will remain closed and new safety barriers and road signs will be put in place.
The reopening was last night welcomed by Orkney politicians – although MSP Liam McArthur said the situation is “less than ideal”.
Alex Paterson, chief executive of HES said: “We are well aware of the vital role Maeshowe has in the Orkney tourist industry – particularly during the winter solstice and busy summer months and we aim to ensure that we are able to provide a good service to visitors during those important periods.
“The shuttle service is an interim measure but we are fully committed to working with Orkney Islands Council and other partners to find a more sustainable solution in the long-term and look to enhance and enrich the tourism offer in Orkney”
Orkney Islands Council convener Steven Heddle said: “The closure of Maeshowe was a matter of great concern to us. It is vitally important that visitors and local people alike continue to have access to the monument, given its international renown and importance.
“So I am very pleased that we have been able to support HES in finding a temporary solution so quickly. But this must be seen as a short term measure for the winter ahead and we will continue to press for a more effective solution to be in place for the start of the 2017 visitor season.”
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said: “While news that Maeshowe is to be re-opened to the public is, of course, very welcome the solution that has been put in place is less than ideal. It will be more logistically challenging for those wishing to visit the site and may even prove impractical for some.”
He is now due to meet with Mr Paterson from HES about the long term future of Maeshowe.