LONDON -- Diggers and dump trucks shifted rocks and boulders into the River Dee in Aberdeenshire Wednesday in a last ditch attempt to stop the historic Abergeldie Castle tumbling into its swollen waters.
The 16th century listed tower house has been perching precariously by the edge of the river, near the Queen's residence at Balmoral, as the banks beside it crumble.
Its owner, the Baron of Abergeldie John Gordon, finally had to abandon the property on Sunday after days of persistent rain.
He was on site to watch the progress Wednesday but has reportedly been too upset to discuss the damage.
Aberdeenshire Council have been advising the Baron on emergency works, but told Mashable they can't comment further as the property is privately owned.
They have confirmed however that contractors supported by their structural engineers visited the site after funding of £100,000 was secured from Scottish Business in the Community, the Daily Record reports. Historic Environment Scotland, meanwhile, told Mashable they have also been providing advice and support to the council.
Work well underway to shore up banks of river Dee at #AbergeldieCastle owner on site today to see how it's going pic.twitter.com/SKlk7ewO40— Rebecca Curran (@STVRCurran) January 6, 2016
Work is under way this morning to protect 16th century A-listed Abergeldie Castle from falling into the River Dee pic.twitter.com/Gcq9EYugsh— Kevin Jackson (@kevinnjackson) January 6, 2016
Scotland has been hit with heavy rain and high winds this week, forcing several people from their homes and prompting the Met Office to issue a series of flood warnings. It comes just after the UK's wettest month on record.