The reopening of a fire-hit Aberdeenshire hotel has been pushed back until winter.
The B-listed Darroch Learg Hotel in Ballater was destroyed in a huge blaze in February 2015 despite the efforts of some 60 firefighters to save it.
The fire spread to the roof after breaking out on the second floor of the historic structure, which was built dramatically into the rock face of Craigendarroch Hill..
Owners Nigel and Fiona Franks are currently in the process of rebuilding the hotel, having recently reinstated its roof.
However work to bring the Darroch Learg back to its former glory will take longer than was first hoped, and the couple are now expected to open in early 2017 and not late summer as originally planned.
The Franks suffered a double blow in 2015 when their Ballater restaurant was destroyed in a separate fire at the Royal Station in May.
However they are also pushing on with their plans to reinstate the Station Restaurant as part of Aberdeenshire Council’s plans to redevelop the landmark.
Mr Franks – whose family have owned the Darroch Learg for 55 years – said: “I think it will early next year before we are open. It is coming on but there is still quite a lot to do. There is other work that needs to be done. Most of the internal work needs done.
“It is fine, it is coming on. The work is getting on and things are improving. We are having to get things up to building regulations, it is taking a bit longer.”
On the Station Restaurant, he added: “I think Ballater is looking forward to getting the station back, to the whole building being back.”
Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside councillor, Katrina Farquhar, said: “It is an amazing building, it is fantastic. It is just because it is such a complicated building and built into the rocks that it is taking far longer than anticipated.
“I am looking forward to seeing it back.
“We just need to keep our support up and keep telling people there are things to do in Ballater. August and September are two really busy months with Victoria Week and the Etape Royale.”
The Darroch Learg’s original woodwork, and ground floor doors and furniture has been salvaged, with improvements including enlarged bathrooms, insulation, double glazing and a lift being incorporated.