Batman may be busy saving Gotham City but a team of Aberdeenshire rangers are working closer to home to save those in need.
National Trust for Scotland (NTS) officers at Drum Castle, near Banchory, sprang into action on Sunday after a tiny female bat became trapped in the building.
Bats are known to hibernate in the Old Tower at the property and the pipistrelle and long-eared varieties use the attics of the castle as their maternity roost.
But it is unusual for the winged creatures to venture into the main building of the castle and the female bat became trapped at the top of a spiral staircase.
Nicknamed “Bat Girl” by her rescuers, the common Pipistrelle bat has now been safely returned to her companions.
A spokeswoman for the NTS Rangers said: “The bat was a bit dusty, but we carefully placed her in a suitable container.
“She was then rehydrated with water which she delicately lapped from a tiny brush.
“After being checked for injuries she was carefully placed on the courtyard wall of Drum Castle in the evening when it was cooler.
“Quite quickly she started to climb the wall and we were delighted when she took wing and flew away back to her companions in their roost. ”
But members of the public are reminded not to turn superhero themselves if they spot a bat in difficulty.
The spokeswoman added: “It is very important if people find bats not to touch them or interfere with them in any way.
“We specifically train our team in how to handle bats safely.”
Drum property manager Alison Burke said: “We love all our visitors to Drum Castle, but this little bat was definitely one of the cutest visitors we have ever had.
“I was so relieved that she survived her experience and will now be with her fellow bats and back in the attics where she belongs.”