The iconic columns and gateway arch from Union Street into the St Nicholas Kirk graveyard are set to be adorned by stunning golden birds as part of a new art installation.
Planning permission has this week been granted for the installation of sculptures of a pheasant, eagle, owl, peacock, pigeon and swan on the 1829 granite colonnade, called Smith's Screen.
The birds selected are inspired by the "Aberdeen Bestiary medieval manuscript", which depicts the birds in a relatively naïve design typical of the medieval period., and is intended to draw more attention to the facade and attract tourists.
Planning documents show where the birds will be positioned.
Planning documents state: "The artworks are a range of golden bronze birds inspired by drawings from the medieval Aberdeen Bestiary, weaving a story about Aberdeen’s layered history and culture while creating a distinctive contemporary installation."
The sculptures will be bronze and finished with gold leaf.
The design concept is similar to the golden owl pictured.
The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland had objected to the plans, arguing: "The sculptures are to be taken from the famous Aberdeen Breviary and would be witty, amusing and vernacular – but totally inappropriate for Smith’s pure Ionic classicism.
"Furthermore, there would be risk to the original granite from their being affixed to the stonework. Such sculptures would be much better sited elsewhere, perhaps to enliven the latest new market?"
But planners concluded: "The artworks would be attached to the upper part of the structure and would be resin bonded, with non-ferrous fixings into the granite, to minimise damage to the stonework.
"The proposed artworks would be a unique and distinctive addition to the Smith Screen and the city centre. They would be a high quality and complementary addition to the Smith Screen which would preserve the special character of the listed building and the character and appearance of the conservation area."