An under-threat Deeside bus service has won a reprieve.
The council-supported Sunday link between Ballater and Braemar had been facing the axe - prompting an outcry.
But local authority bosses say it will continue with a shuttle bus until a review at the end of September.
The proposed withdrawal led to a massive petition voicing concern about the impact on local tourism.
The stay of execution has been welcomed in the communities.
Local Councillor Geva Blackett said: “We have done everything we can to get this reprieve and now its up to the public. Use it or we will lose it.”
The Saturday service between Banff and Gardenstown/Fraserburgh will also continue but the axe fell on 25 other services on Monday.
Aberdeenshire’ head of transportation Ewan Wallace said: “In the case of both Gardenstown and Ballater/Braemar, there were strong feelings in the community about the adverse impact on the local area.
“We have listened to that and adapted our plans as best we could – hopefully these services will now be better used than before.
“In due course we will conduct a further review of the way the council supports all bus services across Aberdeenshire.”
