The historic Highlands town of Thurso could be set to be stripped of its conservation status due to much of the town's historic areas having been lost to development.
The Medieval quarter of the town, in Caithness, dates back to the 12th Century, with buildings such as Old St Peter's Kirk, the earliest Christian building in the area, being given A-listed status. It was the chapel of the Bishop of Caithness when he was at his summer residence at Scrabster.
Highland Council is consulting on potential changes but believes much of the old quarter has already been lost to development. Thurso's importance as a port dates back to the Norse period, with trade continuing with Europe until the 19th century.
The Turnpike, a two-storey building with a distinctive rounded external stair tower, dates from 1686.
It is thought to have originally been a merchant's house and is also included in the Conservation Area.
The building was captured by painter LS Lowry in sketches in the 1930s.
The key historic buildings that remain will continue to be protected by scheduled monument and listed building status, whatever the outcome of the conservation area consultation.
Highland Council also said the conservation area status could prevent residents from making improvements to their homes, with a number of the older buildings already adapted.
Councillors will consider the proposed boundaries changes at a meeting next week.
The Conservation Area was first designed in 1970 and included five separate areas, but the scheme was redesigned in 1987 to create just a single protected zone.
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