By Ben Philip

The Tornado locomotive steamed its way into the Granite City over the River Dee on Thursday afternoon.

Affectionately named The Aberdonian, it made its way from Edinburgh much to the delight of train enthusiasts.

One told STV News: "And this is what the excitement is all about. This is the first steam engine to arrive here in Aberdeen and use the Ferryhill turntable in two decades."

Trainspotters turned out in their droves to see the locomotive for themselves, which was all made possible thanks to the restoration of the historic turntable at Ferryhill.

Dating back to 1906, it was decommissioned in the 90s, but has now restored to its former glory.

Peter Dunne, from the Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust, said: "This facilitates steam trains coming back to Aberdeen for the first time as a destination for a number of years.

"Previously any of these trains coming to Aberdeen would have to go through Aberdeen to Inverness before they could turn. This allows us to create another tourism destination in Aberdeen."

Following a brief refill of water and coal, it was on to the main spectacle: the iconic engine turning 180 degrees ready for its return journey down to the capital on Thursday night.

The locomotive will make a return to the North East in the summer, creating more nostalgic memories of days gone by for a new generation.