Friends of a rally driver who was seriously injured in a crash in Inverness have begun fundraising to help with his recovery.
Steven Fraser, 36, has been in hospital since the incident in the early hours of February 19.
He was a pedestrian and was injured in an incident involving a car on Friars Bridge.
He suffered multiple serious injuries – but it has now been confirmed he is no longer in a serious condition.
However, he is expected to need a lengthy recovery period and friends have begun fundraising to help with process.
He is currently in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but could be transferred back to Raigmore Hospital soon.
A fund set up just two days ago stood at more than £5,600 last night.
Mr Fraser, who is from Kildonan near Helmsdale, had been competing in the Snowman Rally near Inverness the day before he was injured.
The gamekeeper had been in Inverness with rallying friends to celebrate after the rally.
His sister Melanie Fraser thanked people for their “incredible support”.
She said: “He’s no longer critical and we are hoping that he might soon be able to move back to Inverness.
“He will probably require further surgery but nothing has been confirmed yet.
“Recovery is going to be a long haul but he’s no longer critically injured and that is the main thing.”
She added that is likely to be up to eight weeks before Mr Fraser is well enough for him to be considered to go home.
She said: “If it was up to him he’d be away home straight away. He’s not the best at waiting around and has such an active job that will take a bit of adapting.”
He also thanked the ambulance service and the staff at Raigmore Hospital, crediting them with saving her brother’s life.
The fundraising page was set up by friend and rally co-driver Rhuaridh Campbell.
Mr Fraser had been working at Suisgill Estate near Helmsdale and is the father of two young boys.
Two men have appeared in private at Inverness Sheriff Court in connection with the incident.
