Plans to improve and extend a north-east arts centre have been rubber-stamped by Aberdeenshire Council.
The Scottish Sculpture Workshop (SSW) is an internationally recognised
organisation, based in Lumsden.
Founded by sculptor Fred Bushe in 1979, it provides dedicated foundry, metal, wood and ceramics workshops for local, national and international visiting artists.
Over the past four decades, it has grown to become one of the top destinations in the UK for those interested in crafting.
The proposals included upgrading the metal, wood, and cold-casting workshops, creating a new street-facing community area and enhancing their disabled access.
It is hoped that, under the new plans, there could be better opportunities for the workshop to collaborate with schools, community groups and Lumsden residents.
Aberdeenshire Council approved planning permission for the venture this week.
Sam Trotman, the director of the workshop and Lumsden resident, said: “We are delighted to receive planning permission for our new development at SSW.
“With its focus on enhancing our workshop spaces we believe SSW will become a real site of possibility, where artists and communities are empowered through collective learning and skills development.
“We would like to extend a huge thanks to everyone who has made this possible.”