Weekend train services between Dundee and Aberdeen will be replaced with buses during improvement works.

The project includes renewing sections of track, refurbishing bridges and preparing platforms for the arrival of new train fleets.

It is part of a £4m refurbishment of South Esk Viaduct at Montrose and a £1m project to allow Virgin East Coasts' fleet of new Azuma trains to run.

ScotRail Alliance's infrastructure director David Dickson said: "We are building the best railway that Scotland has ever had and that really does apply to all of Scotland.

"While this work is being carried out, we will be doing all we can to keep people moving.

"We know that nobody likes having to take a bus instead of a train, which is why we're carrying out the majority of these works on days when less people travel."

The works will take place on January 7, 14, 21 and 28 and February 3 and 4.