Demolition workers have moved in on an eyesore building in Elgin.
Cranes have been scooping rubble from former care home Bishopmill House in the north of the town.
Nearby residents have watched as engineers have taken apart the local landmark that has stood for decades piece-by piece.
With flood defences in the town now in place, Elgin City North councillor Patsy Gowans believes the building, which is rumoured to be haunted, has long since served its purpose.
After closing in the 1990s the decaying former care home was used as emergency centre for residents unable to go home following floods in 2009.
Mrs Gowans would like to see the site used as a mix of student accommodation and affordable housing in the future.
She said: “It’s fulfilled its need and it needs to go. Young people in the town need the accommodation and that will benefit Elgin and the whole of Moray.
“Like any other university city, students need somewhere to stay. For many years it has been used an emergency stop for victims of flooding but it needs to go now.”
It is expected that contractors Lawrie will finish the demolition by the end of August. Building material salvaged from the ruins of the former care home will be recycled as crushed masonry on council-owned land at Moycroft and Chanonry industrial estates.
Knocking down the building was approved last year due to refurbishment being considered too expensive.