A magnificent sculpture of a unicorn in Cromarty features a list of locations being highlighted to celebrate National Unicorn Day.
The Stables on the Black Isle, a converted Georgian building which now houses a gallery and studios, also boasts its very own unicorn.
It provides a magical welcome to visitors of all ages and is included on a list of 10 places to “unicorn spot” by Visit Scotland.
Scotland’s links to the mythical creature are being celebrated across the country this weekend.
The fabled creature is a proud symbol of nobility and power and has been the nation’s favoured beast since the 14th century.
Unicorns were written about by the ancient Persians, Romans, Greeks and Celts, and were often described as an elegant white horse-like creature with a single horn capable of magical properties.
They have been linked to Scotland for centuries and were used as an early form of the Scottish coat of arms by William I in the late 1300s.
In Dumfries and Galloway, a 7ft unicorn sculpture, designed and created by willow artist Woody Fox, takes pride of place within the 55-acre Crawick Multiverse artland.
VisitScotland Regional Director Doug Wilson said: “We are delighted to have been involved in bringing this sculpture of Scotland’s national animal to Dumfries and Galloway and have no doubt it will be a great draw for visitors to the region.
“The Crawick Multiverse artland offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors and is the perfect backdrop for this distinctive sculpture in the year that we are celebrating Scotland’s history, heritage and archaeology.
“2017 is the year to delve into the past and discover Scotland’s fascinating stories, including those myths and legends about the unicorn.”
