A scheme to make payphones a thing of the past in Aberdeen city centre has taken a step forward.

New devices, called InLinks, are being installed by telecommunications giant BT, with Aberdeen the second city in Scotland to get the service.

Nine of the devices, which will provide ultrafast wifi and allow people to make calls, will be scattered across the city centre – with one already installed at Upperkirkgate.

But the equipment is currently covered over, with a teasing message of “no peeking” written on it.

Aberdeen City Council approved plans in November for the new kiosks.

The initiative will see around 18 payphones removed from the city centre, with residents instead able to make free calls and access mobile phone charging points.

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A spokesman for BT said: “We are in the process of building nine InLinks in the city and this will typically take away around 18 existing payphones.

“We are looking to launch this in April and some may go live in the meantime to allow for testing and final checks.

“As well as decluttering the likes of Union Street, one of the benefits will be free 1Gbps ultrafast wifi from each unit – great for visitors and shoppers who have no data left.

“Aberdeen City Council will also get 1,000 hours of free community advertising to display their local content.”

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, pictured inset, said: “It is fantastic to see the new InLink devices in place in the city centre.

“As an innovative and forward-thinking city, this is a great enhancement and one that Aberdeen Inspired, along with Aberdeen City Council, brought forward to BT.

“Providing facilities for people to make free calls, access free wifi and information and charge their phones will be beneficial for residents and visitors alike.”