Damage to a famous North-east statue of a Scots hero appears to be “worse that first thought”, it has been revealed.

The figure of Rob Roy is seen by thousands of passing motorists every day on the way out of Peterculter.

And it was lifted by crane from its site at the weekend in a bid to see it restored to its former glory.

The model is made of polychrome carved wood and usually sits on the rocky bank of Culter Burn at the west of the village.

Doug Middleton, chairman of the Rob Roy Preservation Trust, said: “It’s not in great shape. It appears to be worse than what we first thought.”

Mr Middleton said he would be unable to comment on the potential options for repairing or replacing the figure until someone with experience in the field had looked at it.

Construction firm Diack and MacAuley is conducting ongoing repair work on the historic Rob Roy Bridge adjacent to the statue and donated the use of a mobile crane to allow the committee to remove it for a full evaluation.

Mr Middleton said: “Legend has it that Rob Roy leapt across the stream in pursuit of Hanoverian troops right at the point that it stands today. It’s an important part of Culter’s heritage and is also an attractive asset for locals and tourists.

“We are very grateful to Diack and MacAuley for their offer which allowed us to lift the statue from its current location so we can assess it for repair.”

Mr Middleton explained that a representation of the loveable rogue has sat at the site since around 1850 and this is the fourth model of its kind.

He said: “The first was a redundant figurehead from the Rob Roy whaling ship which was fashioned into a model using logs of wood for legs and canvas for a kilt.

“This stood until around 1865 when a replacement was commissioned by the public.

“The model lasted well but was used for target practice by the Territorial Army before the First World War and weather took its toll on the third statue.

“The current figure was carved by Arnold Smith and was unveiled in 1991.”