The contract to replace a historic footbridge at a north-east beauty spot has been put out to tender.
The 92-year-old Ladies Bridge provides a vital link between Cruden Bay and its award-winning beach and has been hailed by locals as crucial to the local tourist trade.
In recent years however the dilapidated crossing has been hit by closures and visitor numbers have fallen.
Aberdeenshire councillors gave the go ahead for a replacement – expected to cost around £220,000 – in August and the local authority has announced the project is open for tender.
The public contract document says: “The proposed footbridge shall be a ‘like for like’ replacement of an existing structure, maintaining several aesthetically key elements whilst at the same time being constructed to modern regulations.”
There is an expectation that the new crossing will have a lifespan of 60 years and will be built from a FSC-approved hardwood.
The chosen contractor will also need to install access steps and a gate.
The demolition of current bridge will be carried by a separate contractor.
The Cruden Bay Community Association campaigned extensively for a replacement crossing.
When the Buchan Area Committee approved the project, association chairman Hugh McIntyre said: “The one issue that does concern the community is prolonged closure during the summer months.
“It’s the cheapest option, and a temporary bridge would have bumped the cost up, so the community will put up with some disruption if they’re getting a new bridge, but it should be as early as possible.”
To save money, Aberdeenshire Council decided against commissioning a temporary structure while work was ongoing.