The historic Inverewe Garden in Wester Ross has won a prestigious national award after a show of support from across the world.
The sub-tropical-style National Trust for Scotland oasis on the shores of Loch Ewe was named UK Garden of the Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine awards.
Property Manager, Kevin Frediani, praised his dedicated team at the popular north-west Highland garden, which beat five other finalists to gain the top accolade.
He said: “We have an excellent team at Inverewe who work hard to make the botanical garden the brilliant visitor experience that it is. “This award is testament to the team’s achievement in delivering a world class quality product.
“To be named the best in the UK is such great recognition and the chief executive, Simon Skinner, and all my colleagues have sent their congratulations to the Inverewe team.
“We also want to thank everyone who voted for us from our wonderful local community, those from around Wester Ross, across Scotland, the UK and abroad.
“We are delighted with this show of global support.”
Gardeners World presenter, Jo Swift, put forward the nominations in the Garden of the Year category of the competition.
The 2017 season at Inverewe starts on Saturday with an exhibition in the newly-opened Sawyer Gallery by artist in residence, Lynn Bennett-Mackenzie.
There will be a full programme of events throughout the coming months including Rhododendron and Erythornium Festivals in April and May, followed by walks, talks and workshops on a wide range of topics.
Invernesshire also featured in the awards with Abernethy named Nature Reserve of the Year.
The reserve is one of nine in and around the Cairngorms National Park and features not only ancient Caledonian pine, moorland and forest, but the famous RSPB Loch Garten Osprey Centre.
Naturalist Brett Westwood said: “It’s a worthy winner. Who wouldn’t be seduced by the sunlight filtering through ancient pines, the promise of capercaillies, crested tits and pine martens, all against the majestic backdrop of the Cairngorms?”
