A 112-year-old bandstand that was almost destroyed by a fire two years ago has been unveiled after being "meticulously" restored.

The category B-listed Overtoun bandstand in Rutherglen was badly damaged in a blaze in June 2024.

The timber in the historic structure was completely destroyed but enough of the iron frame remained for an accurate restoration project.

Craftsmen pieced together its original design from surviving ironwork, old photographs and rare foundry catalogues, described the process as a "historical jigsaw puzzle".

South Lanarkshire Council appointed heritage restoration specialists Covanburn Contracts to undertake the project.

Covanburn's managing director, Alex Stewart, said the project required a great deal of planning and research before work on-site in Overtoun Park could begin in June.

"Ultimately that time and effort is greatly rewarded once we see the restoration coming together," he said.

A key challenge for the restoration team was recreating the highly decorative ironwork.

The original designs came from Glasgow's famous Saracen Foundry in Possilpark, once regarded as Scotland's leading manufacturer of ornamental ironwork.

Examples of its work can still be found around the world, from Glasgow's Kibble Palace to structures in Brazil and Australia.

Because many of the foundry's records were lost after it closed in the 1960s, Covanburn had to piece together the original design by comparing old photographs to surviving catalogues.

Eugénie Aroutcheff, co-founder of local charity Grow73, says people in the area have an "emotional connection" to the bandstand.

"Many local people have childhood memories, or first kiss memories, of the bandstand," she said.

"From working in the community, I know a lot of people feel Rutherglen is a bit of a forgotten part of Glasgow."

Aroutcheff is also pleased the structure was completed in time for the town's 900th anniversary celebrations.

Rutherglen was made a Royal Burgh by King David I in 1126.

Although every effort has been made to ensure the bandstand looks as it did 112 years ago, one new element which reflects the 900-year anniversary has been added.

A mosaic has been added in the concrete base on which the bandstand sits.

Designed alongside pupils from the nearby Stonelaw High School, it features Rutherglen's very apt motto.

Ex fumo fama - fame from smoke.

The fire in June 2024 was treated at the time by Police Scotland as a deliberate act.

The force said extensive inquiries had been carried out but the person responsible had not been traced.

A spokesperson added: "Any new information will be assessed."