The first move has been made towards the transformation of the abbey quarter of Arbroath.
While it has been some time in the planning, the demolition of eyesore council flats at Guthrie Hill and Smithy Croft brings the project into plain sight.
Contractor Safedem will undertake the work to raze the four blocks of flats over the next few weeks.
Councillor Donald Morrison, communities convener, said: “The four blocks of flats have been unpopular as council housing accommodation for many years and became increasingly difficult to let.
“It’s also considered that their close proximity to the abbey and High Street has had a negative impact on business, retail and tourism.“Our housing vision is to create places that people are proud to call home. We plan to replace these flats with energy efficient low-rise accommodation designed to complement the abbey and where people can enjoy living.
“The abbey is a landmark of international significance, so it’s right that we do our best to enhance its surroundings and create an experience for residents and visitors that we can be proud of.”
After demolition, work will begin to build 42 new homes for social rent.
The public can see plans at an event on February 18 in St Andrew’s Church from 2pm to 8pm.
It is part of the town’s design charrette Arbroath Talks which provides a focus on planning and development ideas for Arbroath town centre.
The design project, which seeks to capture the ideas of local residents, has been developed by Angus Council with funding assistance from the Scottish Government.