The first images of the revamp of one of Scotland's key music venues have been published as first steps are taken to upgrade Aberdeen's Music Hall.

Two applications - one for listed building consent and the other for a new access ramp at the front of the building - have been submitted to Aberdeen City for consideration by their planning committee.

Jane Spiers, chief executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts, said: "The planning process takes us a step nearer our goal to breathe new life into the Music Hall ensuring its place at the heart of civic and cultural life in the city.

"This is not just a building project, the regeneration will help us to reveal and share the Music Hall's rich history down the ages and create an inspirational space for artists and audiences in a place which has delighted, educated and entertained audiences for decades.

"At APA we are passionately committed to making this city treasure sparkle once again while inspiring and involving people of all ages and securing its rightful place at the heart of the social and cultural life of our city."

APA operates the venue alongside His Majesty's Theatre and The Lemon Tree.

It now has pledges in place totalling £4.9m for the £7m project.

This includes £1.5m funding from Creative Scotland, £1m from Aberdeen City Council; £700,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £220,000 from Historic Scotland, £240,00 from the Robertson Trust and £1.25m from APA's own restoration fund, the money raised by the general public through ticket sales.

Aberdeen City Council has agreed to act as guarantor for the final £2m needed to allow the project to get underway on site at the end of March next year.

Ms Spiers added: "We still have a way to go to raise the final £2m but we hope the public will get behind us as we continue to work hard to reach our target.

The plans also include creating a new studio space and new creative learning space; restoring and renovating the auditorium; improving artists' accommodation; creating a new box office and making the 155-year-old building more environmentally friendly.

The well known building is in the city's Union Street.