An entire sea wall at a Moray port is at risk of “imminent collapse” after more of it crashed into the water.
A hole in the pier at Cullen Harbour was reported at the beginning of the week after rock was sucked from underneath the walkway.
Yesterday, a huge gap was created in the wall after more of the historic structure fell into the Moray Firth.
Last night, concerned residents gathered on the pier, which had already been partially sealed off, to see the damage for themselves.
Waves crashed through the gaping hole causing more brickwork to become loose. It is believed that high tides in recent days have accelerated the damage.
Moray Council engineers are due to visit the harbour on Monday to inspect the wall and consider repairs.
Meanwhile, the local authority has urged people to stay away from the hole due to the “fragile” nature of the remaining wall.
Dennis Paterson, a member of Cullen Community Council, described the damage as “awful” for the town.
He said: “The biggest worry for us is that the big capstan winch could be the next to go. It was used to haul in the boats and fish in years past. It’s still there at the moment but it’s a worry.
“It really is pretty disastrous. We reported concerns to the powers-that-be many moons ago, maybe April, and were told it would be monitored regularly.
“It’s going to cost an awful lot more to repair it now. A cure is always a lot worse than prevention.”
It is understood that cracks have also been seen in the inner pier at the port too.
Cullen Harbour is considered to be a grade B-listed monument by Historic Environment Scotland. It was erected in 1817 and was designed by Thomas Telford, who was also responsible for the Craigellachie Bridge and the Caledonian Canal.
A Moray Council spokesman said: “The Cullen harbour wall is very precarious. People should keep away from it as it’s in a state of imminent collapse. We will be on site on Monday.”