Bid to restore Aberdeen's main Union Street thoroughfare

A £2.4m scheme to help restore and enhance buildings in Aberdeen's Union Street has been launched.

The five-year Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (Cars) is aimed at rejuvenating the city's main thoroughfare.

It will provide grants to property owners, allowing them to carry out improvement works.

These works may range from shop front improvements to the reinstatement of architectural features.

It has funding support from Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen Inspired.

Aberdeen City Council hopes the project could stimulate significant long-term investment in Union Street by paving the way for occupancy of empty commercial units and upper floors.

Cars project officer Jamie McNamara said: "In 10 years I want Union Street to reflect the civic pride of the city.

"I want people to look at the buildings open mouthed and gasp.

"I want people to speak in more positive terms about this incredible street instead of knocking it."

Earlier this month, BBC research revealed a tenth of Union Street's prime retail space was empty.