Repairs to a historic harbour began yesterday after “disastrous” sea damage left a large hole in its wall.
The 200-year-old B-listed structure in Cullen was put at risk of collapse after sections of were battered by waves.
Moray council engineers inspected the damage yesterday and agreed that repair work should start immediately to prevent any further erosion.
They have urged people to stay away from the pier, which has been partially sealed off since Friday.
Last night a spokeswoman for Moray Council was unable to estimate a total bill for the repairs.
“Contractors are onsite at Cullen now and the parapet of the wall will be coming down this week,” she said.
“We’re aiming to stabilise the sea-facing side of wall in the short-term and looking at options for rebuild.
“In the meantime, the harbour is 100% operational, although the east pier will remain out of bounds until further notice. Members of the public should pay attention to the fencing and signage erected on the site, which is in place to protect them.”
A hole in the pier was reported last week after rock was sucked from underneath the walkway.
Further buffeting caused a larger gap in the wall to appear as brickwork fell into the Moray Firth.
It is believed that high tides in recent days have accelerated the damage and that cracks have also been seen in the inner pier at the port too.
Keith and Cullen councillor Ron Shepherd last night welcomed the prompt response and said: “The good thing about this disaster is that it is going to be repaired immediately and not left to deteriorate.
“This has been on the cards since about April but the council did not anticipate the high tides and huge waves that have battered our coast line for months.”
Cullen harbour was erected in 1817 and was designed by Thomas Telford, who was also responsible for designing Craigellachie Bridge and the Glen Loy Aqueduct on the Caledonian Canal.