A railway station that burned down before being rebuilt through a multi-million pound restoration project has been shortlisted in the National Rail Heritage Awards.
The B-listed Old Royal Station in Ballater was all but destroyed in a devastating blaze four years ago.
The fire came just months after the Deeside town was ravaged by flooding caused by Storm Frank.
But last August, after a £4.2 million redevelopment, the site was officially reopened by Aberdeenshire Provost Bill Howatson.
The vintage venue features a range of facilities including a tourist centre, public library, shop bistro, café and tea room.
Judges from the National Rail Heritage Awards visited the station this summer to see the renovation for themselves and hailed the project as “most praiseworthy”.
The award ceremony will take place in London on December 4, when the Ballater station will be up against other projects across the country for a railway heritage award.
One of the judges, Edward McGloin said: “On the day of my visit, the station had a vibrant feel and was busy throughout.
“It is great to see that, four years on from that devastating fire, the station is again at the centre of Ballater and its community.
“Well done to all involved in this very good restoration of this historic station.”
