A tourist attraction in the Mearns has been closed temporarily over health and safety concerns by its local authority.
Mill of Benholm near Johnshaven, a restored and fully working water-powered meal mill, was recently inspected ahead of a number of proposed improvements.
Audits were carried out over the last few weeks to guide improvements to support trainees, staff and visitors.
A number of health and safety issues were identified around the mill site, the tearoom and kitchen as a result of this work.
These concerns were raised with the site owner, Aberdeenshire Council, which is responsible for maintaining the attraction.
Ranjit Fernandez of the Mill of Benholm Trust said: “Aberdeenshire Council initially decided to temporarily suspend operations in the kitchen and tearoom, and requested that we close the tearoom and re-allocate trainees as best as possible to other activities on site.
“Last week, following further discussions regarding the nature of the health and safety issues identified on site, Aberdeenshire Council decided, with the agreement of the board of trustees, to temporarily suspend all trainee activities on site until a decision can be made by senior officials in Aberdeenshire Council as to how they will resolve the various concerns raised.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope that we can obtain the support required from Aberdeenshire Council to resolve the various issues around the site and make it safe for all and suitable to reopen to our trainees and visitors alike.”
Visitors walk down into a small valley where the ancient mill was renovated and reopened in 1995 as a time capsule of Scottish industrial history.
It also offers training in various skills including catering, horticulture, furniture restoration, shop and office work.
In 2011, trainee gardeners built a tribute to Stonehaven woman Alyson Reid, who died days after contracting swine flu.
Miss Reid was a fellow trainee gardener and the garden includes a pair of her working boots which have been used as containers for ladelia, her favourite flower.
A bench, carved with her name, has also been placed in the new garden. The closure will be among topics up for discussion at an EGM in Johnshaven Village Hall, scheduled for May 27 at 7.30pm.