Commonwealth Day was marked yesterday by local authorities across the north.
The distinctive blue-and-yellow flag of the Commonwealth was raised outside Inverness Town House, making it one of more than 500 flags flying as part of the first UK-wide tribute.
Provost Alex Graham, Highland Council, read out a message of support from the Queen before giving the Commonwealth affirmation in both Gaelic and English. A lone piper played on the Town House roof as the flag was raised.
Joining the provost were soldiers from the 3 Scots infantry based in Fort George representing their commonwealth countries of Zimbabwe, Fiji, Caribbean nations, South Africa, India, Nigeria and Ghana.
The head pupils from Charleston Academy, Inverness Royal Academy and Inverness High School also joined guests for the ceremony. Argyll and Bute Council also took part in a similar Commonwealth Day ceremony at Lochgilphead.
Depute Provost Douglas Philand was accompanied by pupils Andrew Ritchie, Rowan MacDonald, Connor Rennie and Ailsa Wilson, representing Lochgilphead Joint Campus. The youngsters, alongside pupils from all over Argyll and Bute, have been involved in activities marking the Commonwealth Games.
In the Western Isles, Lord Lieutenant Alexander Matheson read out the good-wishes message from the Queen in which she said she was delighted so many people would be taking part in the Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth initiative.
Western Isles Council convener Norman MacDonald led the ceremony, and five Youth Legacy Ambassadors from the Nicolson Institute read out the Commonwealth Affirmation. Kara Hanlon and Connor Maclean, both of whom are Young Ambassadors, then had the honour of raising the flag.