Diggers have rolled on to a world-famous Fife beach to carry out the next phase of extensive restoration works.
St Andrews’ West Sands were badly damaged in a storm six years ago.
Improvement works began last week to restore dunes, which protect the area from coastal erosion.
The beach, which featured in the opening scene of film classic Chariots of Fire, skirts the Old Course.
Legacy funds from The Open Championship, which is staged on the golf course every five years, have helped pay for the repairs, being led by the St Andrews Links Trust and aided by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) and the West Sands Partnership (WSP).
Gordon Moir, the links trust’s green keeping director, said: “The historic, recreational and economic value of the West Sands and surrounding area to St Andrews makes it vitally important they are protected.
“We are delighted to be part of the West Sands Partnership, which brings together many strands of expertise and know-how, and has proven to be a great example of collaborative working.
“As the winter months have shown, we are not immune to the strong winds and high tides so it is important that this work continues.”
During the storm of March 2010 a substantial volume of sand was lost from the dunes and while some parts have since recovered a few areas have remained vulnerable to further erosion.
The latest works are the fourth phase of the restoration process and involve extraction of sand from the beach to rebuild dunes.
Fencing around the dunes is also to be renewed to allow the area to replenish naturally and grow without being trampled.
FCCT ranger Ranald Strachan said: “The repair works at West Sands have been long awaited and are vital to help ensure the sand dunes along the beach are safe to the public.
“The fourth phase of the works will utilise funds from the Open legacy project in order to protect and support the blowout restoration.
“Sand dunes can help protect the beach and surrounding area from erosion, so it’s vital that we work together with the WSP to support the links trust in ensuring they are repaired to a high standard.”
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, R&A championships executive director, said: “Sustainable management of the environment around the West Sands is extremely important and we are delighted that through the success of the Open we can support this restoration work.”
On Saturday volunteers can get involved, helping transplant marram grass to stabilise new sand deposits.
Those who want to assist should phone Mr Strachan on 01592 656080.