A lorry driver has died following an incident involving three cars and two HGVs near Alness.
Emergency services were called to the A9 Thurso to Inverness road, three miles south of the town, at about noon.
A 58-year-old man died at the scene, just north of the Skiach junction.
Nobody else was injured.
One of the lorries involved was carrying timber logs, which rolled off the trailer onto the roadside.
Collision investigations are under way and police are advising the road will be shut for some time.
Sergeant Kate Park, of the roads policing unit, said: “Our investigation into the circumstances of what caused the crash is under way and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the lorry driver who sadly lost his life. His next of kin has been informed.
“It is crucial that we piece together what has happened.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has dash-cam footage to contact us as soon as possible, you may have captured something that could assist our investigation.
“Officers are still in attendance, and the road is still closed for crash investigations.
“I would like to thank members of the public for their patience while we carried out our enquiries into this serious crash.
“Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 1197 of 12 April 2022.”
