A new-look visitor centre in Wester Ross has been officially opened.
The makeover for the Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands National Nature Reserve (NNR) site has provided improved trail interpretation and a new wildlife viewing hide.
The £330,000 restoration received 45% funding from the European Rural Development Fund.
The visitor centre is a focal point for those going to the National Nature Reserve. It now boasts new displays which are visual and appealing in design, and focus on landscape and species.
It was opened by Rob Gibson, SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, who performed the tape-cutting role and spoke of his delight at being able to perform the duty.
He said it was “an emblematic NNR” and its strength partly lay in its “helping people to see the values of the natural world but in a community setting”.
Ian Ross, the chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage, said: “There is a suite of designations and nationally scarce species here. And the reserve also provides superb mountain access, a high standard of visitor access, and excellent educational and interpretative information.
“It provides a tangible link between a high-value environment and the creation of jobs and opportunity, with strong community connections and benefits.”
Mr Gibson and Mr Ross also paid tribute to the work and legacy of Dick Balharry, a world-renowned conservationist, who died recently.
Around 50 people attended the opening and Chris Donald of SNH added: “We are delighted that so many local people were able to attend the event. The reserve is there for everyone to enjoy and we are committed to ensuring as many people as possible experience the outstanding beauty of Beinn Eighe and Wester Ross.”
Around 50,000 visitors each year have the chance to see golden eagle, red deer, white-tailed eagle, and black-throated divers at the reserve, set amid stunning Wester Ross scenery.
The Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands NNR covers almost 12,000 acres from lochside to mountain top.
The visitor centre opens from 10am-5pm from April until October.