A historic Aberdeen theatre has secured half a million pounds worth of funding towards restoration of the building.

Work is finally underway in Aberdeen to repair and transform The Tivoli theatre on Guild Street.

They are starting to make the dilapidated building weather proof, thanks to the green townscape heritage initiative.

The management at the theatre have been awarded £508, 700 to cover the initial repairs and reinstatement of architectural details.

It is hoped the exterior work will be completed by the summer but it could be some time before the interior can be restored to its former glory.

The Tivoli is being redeveloped by new owner Brian Hendry. He pledged to repair it after he bought it over back in July 2009.

He proposes to restore the interior and bring it up to 21^st century standards, providing a mid-scale 450-seat auditorium, new rehearsal space, dressing rooms, dance studios, a gym, theatrical museum and café. It will also feature retail, leisure and business spaces.

Mr Hendry said: “I'm delighted that we can now start work. The priority will be to get the scaffolding up and start to clean the gutters and roof to protect the Tivoli for the winter.

"Hopefully people in Aberdeen will start to see changes over the coming weeks and months as we start bringing this great building back to its former glory."

The announcement is the latest major step in the green townscape heritage initiative which covers the area between Union Street and Guild Street, from Shiprow to Bridge Street including the Adelphi, the Green and Market Street.