One of the first steps to redevelop Cardigan Castle has been taken.
Ceredigion County Council - the owners of the 12th century monument - have now bought the two derelict cottages at the castle entrance.
The cottages - which were owned by Cardigan-based Cadwgan Trust - will eventually be restored to their 18th century splendour and form part of the castle complex.
Their restoration will also signal the start of the redevelopment of the castle site.
Ceredigion planning chief Tim Ball said: "The cottages will be used in connection with the restoration of the castle. It's still early days but probably they will be used as an information point about the castle for the public and as an initial site office."
It is also expected that there will be an archaeological dig at the cottages.
"It is a site very rich in history," said Mr Ball.
Cadwgan trustees met on Monday night to finalise the deal.
"We were delighted to hand over the cottages and look forward to seeing them restored as part of the castle complex," said Cadwgan secretary Trevor Griffiths.
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