A group of eight Russian Arctic Convoy veterans have visited Inverness as part of a reunion tour with their British shipmates from across the country.
Provost of Inverness Councillor Alex Graham and Inverness city manager, David Haas, hosted a reception for them in the Town House.
The group of eight veterans included Commander Yuri Alexandrov, chairman of the Polar Convoy Club in Saint Petersburg, and 97-year-old Anatoli Lifshits, from Moscow.
It was a poignant return to the Highlands for the mariners as many sailed from Loch Ewe in Wester Ross to carry supplies to allies in Russia.
The convoy runs, between 1941-45, were called “the suicide missions” by many of those who sailed on them.
Merchant boats with supplies and ammunition were escorted by Royal Navy warships.
The supplies they delivered were vital to the war effort as German forces had Russia completely blockaded on land.
The veterans travelled to the Highland capital from Edinburgh, via Fort William and a coach trip up the Great Glen.
A number of guests, including British Arctic Convoy veterans, were waiting to give them a rousing welcome.
The entertainment for the event was organised by The Highland-Russia Connection Charity and included music and a dancing display.
Councillor Graham said: “The Arctic Convoys left from Loch Ewe in Wester Ross carrying vital war supplies to our Russian Allies, and the heroism of their crews created an enduring bond between our countries.
“It was a privilege to welcome the Russian convoy veterans to Inverness and it was heartening to see the very warm welcome they were given by everyone.
A group of British veterans of the convoys visited Saint Petersburg in autumn this year for the 73rd anniversary of the First Arctic Convoy mission – code named Dervish.
The veterans took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Leith Merchant Navy Memorial, and they will now travel to Newcastle, London and Portsmouth before being reunited with their families for new year celebrations in Russia.