A historic weather cock has left its perch on the Falkirk Steeple for the first time in almost 100 years for restoration.

The Cock o' the Steeple has been removed as part of the extensive restoration and conservation work to the grade A building.

Work to repair the steeple's stone, windows and clock face are under way and now the historic weather vane cockerel has been taken away for restoration.

The brass weather vane has watched over the town since 1814 and was last taken down 89 years ago when the steeple was hit by lightning on June 17, 1927.

The lightning bolt sent the weather vane flying into the court at the rear of 104 High Street, which was then Wilson and Thomson Grocers.

Ian Scott, of Falkirk Local History Society, said: "I am delighted that the good old 'Cock o' the Steeple', which has been watching over Falkirk bairns since 1814, has flown down to ground level for a well-earned makeover.

"The last time it left its perch was in June 1927 when the steeple suffered a lightning strike. Two years later, after careful repairs, it was back up aloft and there it remained in all weathers until this week.

"Hopefully it will not be too long before it is back in its rightful place fit and ready to face the next century or two."

The restoration work is part of the wider Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), a £5.6m project running in Falkirk's town centre.

The £750,000 Steeple project is supported by a Falkirk THI grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Environment Scotland and is expected to be complete by the end of 2016.

Falkirk Council leader Craig Martin said: "The Falkirk Steeple is a real local treasure and iconic symbol for the area.

"The extensive scaffolding that has been erected underlines the level of restoration investment that is being made.

"Removal and restoration of the weather vane signifies an important milestone for the team."

Falkirk has had a steeple at the heart of its community for more than 400 years with the current building celebrating its 200th birthday in 2014.

Once work is complete, the historic cells will be opened to the public to visit and learn more about its history and heritage.