CONSERVATION work has begun at one of Scotland's most remote castles with a helicopter delivery of materials.
The essential equipment was delivered to Auchindoun Castle in Moray, located about two miles south of Dufftown.
The 15th century site can only be reached by foot and the transportation of scaffolding and other equipment to the ruin posed challenges for workers. Delivery was only possible by airlift.
READ MORE: St Kilda: Work underway to preserve 200-year-old Scottish kirk
The repairs come after Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the public body responsible for 336 historic buildings and sites, undertook a programme of tactile condition surveys in response to concerns over the deterioration of high-level masonry caused by several combined factors, including the materials used during construction, age, physical location and climate change.
The site was damaged by Clan Mackintosh after the Earl of Huntly from Clan Gordon, who owned the castle, killed an ally of theirs in 1592. Two years later, James VI ordered it to be demolished after Clan Gordon took part on the side opposing his at the Battle of Glenlivet.
It is hoped the castle will reopen to the public once repairs are complete.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here