Four men have been charged for allegedly racing at speeds of up to 128mph on a popular tourist trail.
The drivers, aged 22, 35, 46 and 55, were caught on the A890 Achnasheen to Auchtertyre, at Glencarron – part of the NC500.
The incident came to light as new figures obtained by the Press and Journal revealed that speed cameras caught 125 drivers going faster than 100mph last year.
The highest speed recorded was 141mph in Fife, but average speed cameras on the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road clocked two motorists going at 132mph and 124mph.
A 23-year-old man was caught doing 127mph on the A92 Dundee to Aberdeen road, near Portlethen while a 24-year-old man was recorded doing 125mph on the A9 Perth to Inverness road, near The House of Bruar.
The NC500 speeders however, were caught on Saturday after a concerned member of the public contacted the police.
Sergeant Chris Murray, from the roads policing unit, said: “It is disappointing to see some drivers are willing to place themselves and others at risk by driving at excessive speeds and in a dangerous manner.
“The roads of the Highlands have so much to offer for drivers and many travel great distances to enjoy them.
“I would urge people to take responsibility for their own driving. If you are tempted to speed then consider what the consequences could be of your decision.”
According to the P&J figures, two of the five worst speeders could not be identified due to obscured or cloned number plates.
North East MSP Liam Kerr said the figures were troubling, particularly at a time when fatal accidents are on the up in Grampian and the Highlands.
Between April and December last year, there were 15 people killed on north roads, seven in Aberdeenshire and Moray and two in Aberdeen.
Mr Kerr said: “Given the recent tragic accidents on the A96 and A9, these figures are deeply troubling.
“Quite simply, motorists are risking lives by driving at such excessive speeds.”
Chief Inspector Stewart Mackie, from the roads policing team, added: “We know that speed has been a contributing factor in some of the most serious collisions we have seen.
“We will continue to proactively target those drivers who choose to break the law.”
A spokesman for the road safety charity Brake said there was “no justification” for the speeds recorded last year.
He said: “Selfish, speeding drivers put not only their own, but all other road users’ lives at risk.
“There is absolutely no justification for travelling at the excessive speeds recorded.
“It is extremely important that all drivers recognise that speed limits exist to help save lives.”
