A historic north-east pier which collapsed could soon be returned to its former glory.
Advisors have been appointed to help with the restoration of the Railway Jetty at Banff marina.
A section of the A-listed structure fell down last year due to heavy rain.
Temporary repairs in the form of gabions filled with small rocks were placed on the collapsed section to allow sailors to continue to use the facility.
Now the local authority has turned to consultant engineering company AECOM to advise them on the best way to complete the repairs.
The company will provide Aberdeenshire Council with technical support on the proposed design while the project is carried out.
Ground investigation work is due to begin later this year and construction will begin next autumn. It is due to be completed by spring 2020.
Banff councillor John Cox has welcomed progress on efforts to restore the jetty.
He said: “Hopefully it will be brought back to normal as soon as possible.
“I just hope there’s no hidden obstacles for the contractors or the boat users at Banff.”
Last night, an Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “This tender relates to the appointment of a professional advisor who will provide advice to Aberdeenshire Council throughout the tender and proposed design and build contract for the Railway Jetty works.
“We anticipate that site investigation will begin in late autumn or early winter 2018.
“The actual works are likely to commence in autumn or winter 2019.”
It is hoped that many of the blocks that fell in the water could be used as part of the restoration. They have been kept at a council depot near Macduff.
