A derelict Highland church has been badly damaged in a fire.
Firefighters spent more than six hours battling the blaze which engulfed the 19th century Kilmonivaig Free Church in the early hours of this morning.
Despite their best efforts to save the disused single-storey church, the building sustained severe damage causing the roof to collapse.
The secluded kirk was first constructed in 1860 welcoming dozens of worshippers each week.
As the congregation dwindled, the property was placed on the market 16 years ago, but has remained empty ever since.
Emergency services were initially dispatched to the remote location following reports of a large fire shortly after 6am.
Firefighters from Fort William and Fort Augustus spent several hours battling the well- developed blaze, using a total of four hose reel jets to help diminish the flames.
After successfully diffusing the flames, two out of the three appliances stationed at the scene returned to base, leaving the remaining team to dampen down hot spots at the site.
The final crew left the scene around lunchtime, at 12.43pm, before handing the scene over to the police.
A fire spokesman said: “We were alerted at 6.07am on Wednesday, December 11 to reports of a fire within a derelict church building in Kilmonivaig.
“Operations Control mobilised three appliances to the scene and firefighters extinguished the fire.
“Crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”
Police were also conveyed to the secluded area to assist alongside local fire teams, following the initial call at 6am.
A cordon was placed around the area as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.
A police spokesman said: “Police called around 6am on Wednesday, 11 December, 2019 to a report of a fire at a derelict church outside Spean Bridge. Officers attended and are assisting SFRS as required.”
Lochaber councillor Andrew Baxter praised the efforts of firefighters saying: “It’s devastating. I would like to praise the efforts of our fire service to try to rescue the building. They are heroes at every fire that they get sent to.”
