Tar spread across historic cobblestones in Aberdeen will be removed.

Aberdeen City Council workers laid tar over the centuries-old cobbles on Windmill Brae last week.

The work was carried out in response to concerns about the safety of the uneven surface, it is understood.

It proved controversial, however, and the council now intends to remove the tar.

Council finance convener Willie Young said: "Following safety concerns raised by local businesses and Aberdeen Inspired, we took action to resurface a small part of the city's Windmill Brae.

"The work was necessary to secure loose cobblestones on the carriageway, which were a potential hazard for pedestrians.

"The repair was intended to be temporary and carried out on a trial basis. However, the appearance of that part of the street has fallen short of the standards we expect, and the tar is to be removed.

"A permanent solution in keeping with Windmill Brae's historic streetscape is being planned as a matter of urgency."

The cobbles lie below the former site of the Bow Brig, a bridge which spanned the Den Burn near the Green.

For several centuries, important visitors to Aberdeen were greeted at the Bow Brig and offered the ceremonial cup of Bon Accord.

It was torn down and rebuilt at least twice, with its final incarnation removed in the 1860s to make way for the Denburn Valley Railway.

Its double arches were later incorporated into the structure which supports Union Terrace.