A well-used Inverness footpath is to be closed from next week for a much needed facelift.
Raining Stairs, which links Castle Street in the city centre with the Hill and Crown areas, has looked decidedly run-down for years now, after plans put forward fior a major development there came to nothing.
Work on the £20,000 of improvements will start on Monday.
Highland Council is advising pedestrians that a temporary closure will be in place until the works are completed. The closure of the footpath is to ensure the essential maintenance and improvement works can be carried out safely.
The project, which is expected to last three to four weeks, will include the reinstatement of drainage channels, repairs to steps and their under pinning, painting of railings, graffiti removal, power washing and weed removal.
The Central Ward discretionary fund is contributing £6,500 to the costs.
Vice-chairwoman of the council’s community services committee, Councillor Bet McAllister said: “It’s great that this work is being done as the Raining Stairs are not only well used by people walking onto the High Street but they are a feature of the city centre.
The improvements will ensure they will be used for many more years to come.”
Footpath Closed signs will be erected and walkers are asked to take alternative routes such as via Market Brae Steps (Boots Steps) or Castle Street and Gordon Terrace to Ardconnel Street.