Saturday shoppers in a Lochaber town were treated to an unusual sight at the weekend – as a flock of sheep raced through its streets.
And to make the scene even more bizarre, the runaway flock were each ridden through Fort William by teddy bears decked out in jockey costumes.
The event was the brainchild of Isabel Campbell, of the Lochaber Rural Education Trust, who arranged a second outing for it after a successful trial run last year.
In 2014 the sheep race was run alongside the launch of the revamped Cameron Square in the town centre – and proved so popular it was brought back as a standalone attraction in its own right.
A large crowd of tourists and locals watched as the 25 animals were set off on the route in groups of five.
And as with any big race, there was an opportunity for punters to have a flutter on their favourite ewes, all of which were supplied by Inverlochy Castle Farm.
The race was inspired by a similar event in the Borders town of Melrose.
Mrs Campbell said: “It’s just something for the tourists and the locals to enjoy, just a bit of fun really, as well as raising a bit of money for my charity.
“Everybody has been 100% behind it, it’s been great fun.”
The stuffed jockeys were largely supplied by Highland charity Blythswood Care, while several local businesses contributed to the event by sponsoring a sheep.
Mrs Campbell added: “It takes a lot of organising, getting all the sheep in place and all sheared at the same time and looking right.
“It’s a lot of work but as long as people enjoy it that’s all that really matters.”
The money raised will go towards the Lochaber Rural Education Trust, which Mrs Campbell runs from a centre at the foot of Ben Nevis.
The trust offers education, training and opportunities in rural life and history.
Mrs Campbell also offers training in “life skills”, such as cooking and crafts, to school groups.
