The local authority has committed to restoring a Garioch town’s ancient Pictish monuments following a campaign to save them from the elements.

Aberdeenshire Council’s archaeology team will temporarily remove Inverurie’s Symbol Stones from their home in the town’s Bass churchyard in order to restore them.

The experts are also looking into the best options for conserving the artefacts at the site.

It comes after hundreds of Garioch locals took part in a survey to gauge public opinion on proposals to save the stones, which are believed to date to between the 6th and 8th centuries.

Local, Elizabeth Barrow, lead the campaign with the support of the Inverurie Community Council.

It came following fears little has been done to protect them from the elements, flooding and wear and tear.

Council archaeologist, Bruce Mann, said: “The Pictish symbol stones are recognised by Aberdeenshire Council as being very important historic assets within its ownership.

“As such we share the concerns of the local community regarding how the winter weather has slowly affected them over time.

“We are currently looking into options for the temporary removal and conservation of the stones in the short term, and will be looking into options as to how best to display and protect the stones in the future at their current location.”

Aberdeenshire Provost and Inverurie and District councillor, Hamish Vernal, said: “I am absolutely delighted that things are moving ahead in terms of the protection and conservation of the Pictish stones at the old kirkyard.

“We can only hope we get things done before the winter really sets in, and that we can get them either removed and conserved, cleaned and protected or can get some form of temporary rest for them over the winter.

“It is probably the most expensive option but would be really good if we could get a proper shelter form them in the old kirkyard. I am still hopeful in time we will be able to get that.”

Fellow councillor for the town, Bryan Stuart, said: “It is obviously really good news. We have got a fantastic heritage in the north-east with the numerous stone circles.

“A lot of overseas tourists from Northern Europe, Germany and the Netherlands go out of their way to go and see these stones. So they are actually a fairly good investment for Aberdeenshire to conserve.”

Chairwoman of the Inverurie Community Council, Fiona Peebles, said: “We are delighted they are finally looking at moving them and protecting them.”