A Mearns town could be on track for a major tourism boost with the introduction of a visitor road train.
The wheels have been put in motion to introduce the attraction into Stonehaven to take tourists around the key sites.
The idea is the brainchild of Michelle Ward, owner of the Royal Hotel and a major force behind the town’s Hogmanay Open Air In The Square party.
She said the train, which would carry up to 36 passengers, could be on hire for 12 weeks this summer, costing around £10,000.
If the “Stoney Express” proved popular, there could be a business case to buy a road train to operate all year round at a cost of £100,000.
Michelle said: “The train, which would be operated under the auspices of Stonehaven Town Partnership, has already been promised backing from the Belvedere Hotel, the Ship Inn, the Royal Hotel and the Marine Hotel.”
An application by the partnership has been made to the Coastal Communities Fund and Michelle said the train fund had received a surprise offer from the Stonehaven branch of the Bank of Scotland, which donated a £3,000 grant from its communities fund.
Michelle also praised Aberdeenshire Council roads manager Stuart McFarlane, who has offered technical expertise.
She added: “As always there is lots of paperwork. These things take time but I’m absolutely delighted with the response from Aberdeenshire Council.”
Former Arduthie school teacher Ruby Buchanan has already volunteered her services as conductor and is compiling scripts based on local stories, such as the Green Lady ghost and the legendary story of the Scottish crown jewels being smuggled to safety from Dunnottar Castle.