17 August 2012 Last updated at 09:31 ET

Water pumping work starts at Rubislaw Quarry in Aberdeen

Rubislaw Quarry has been bought by two businessmen The Rubislaw Quarry in Aberdeen is set to be a heritage centre

Work has begun to pump water out of Aberdeen's Rubislaw Quarry for the first time since it stopped operating several decades ago.

The 450ft deep hole is almost full of rainwater accumulated over more than 40 years, leading to fears it could cause flooding.

Owners Hugh Black and Sandy Whyte have installed pumping equipment. The work began on a day of heavy rain.

The aim is to develop a heritage centre at the site.

The quarry, which closed in 1971, is credited with giving Aberdeen its Granite City name.

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