The Liberal Democrat group on Aberdeenshire Council has a new leader.
Councillor Peter Argyle represents the Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside ward and has been a councillor since 1999.
Between January, 2008, and June, 2015, he was chair of the infrastructure services committee.
His group is involved in continuing discussions to form a new council administration at Woodhill House.
Mr Argyle said: “It is a great honour to have been elected by my colleagues and I am truly grateful for their support and confidence in me.
“There is no doubt that the years ahead will be difficult for the council; equally there is no doubt that Liberal Democrats will continue to make a significant contribution to the council.
“We stood on a manifesto entitled “Putting Aberdeenshire First” and that will be our focus over the next five years.
“We will continue to discuss the shape of this council over the coming days.”