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.
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.
