Highland Council has closed Market Brae Steps in the city centre after stone masonry is said to have fallen from a chimney.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said the street would be closed to the public until the building standards team had examined the stability of the stonework, in the interests of public safety.

The spokeswoman said: "Our roads inspector has reported that some stone masonry has fallen from a chimney on Market Brae Steps.

"The council’s building standards have been notified, and are to investigate the damage.

"In the meantime, the Market Brae Steps will be closed off to the public, in the interests of public safety, and at least until building standards have been able to assess the stability of the chimney/stonework."

Earlier today, Highland Council reported that it had closed Ness Islands due to flooding.

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