Plans to develop a vacant Co-operative Society building on Scott Street, Perth, have been given the go-ahead.

The developers McDermott Group put forward the proposals earlier this year and are looking to transform the block into 47 high quality bedrooms and 30 self-contained studios.

The building has been on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register and dates back to 1904. Previously the building has been used for a variety of retail uses but the floors above have been empty for a number of years.

Permission was granted by Perth and Kinross Council for a change of use from shop to student accommodation. After no objections were submitted the scheme was subsequently approved.

The four-storey block is among several in the city centre that the local authority is keen to see restored and it's hoped that once completed it would add a boost to the local economy.

There is also a wider plan to increase the amount of student accommodation in the city centre as part of Perth's City Plan, which aims to revitalise the local night-time economy.

According to CRGP, the architects chosen for the project, the "proposal represents an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into a prominent local landmark and provide a new, dynamic and sustainable future for the building."