The longest coastal cave in the UK has reopened to the public after repair work.
Visitors to Durness will again be able to enjoy the wonders of Smoo Cave following a scheme to stabilise the rock.
The cave closed at the end of last month to allow the works to be undertaken by Rope Access Scotland. Geotechnical experts URS Infrastructure & Environment UK oversaw the project, which included light rock scaling, netting and bolting. The work was essential to maintain public access at the site, owned by Highland Council.
Smoo Cave, which attracts more than 43,000 visitors each year, is set in limestone cliffs, measures more than 200ft long and is 130ft wide. There are three chambers, the third only accessible by boat.
It is unique in the UK in that the first chamber has been formed by the action of the sea, whereas the inner chambers are freshwater passages, formed from rainwater dissolving the carbonate dolostones.
Part way through the cave the waters of Allt Smoo also drop as a 65-feet high waterfall.
The cave’s entrance is located at the end of a near 2,000ft long tidal gorge which was once part of the cave, now collapsed.
North, West and Central Sutherland Councillor, George Farlow, vice-chairman of the council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “I am delighted that Smoo Cave is again open for public access. This site makes an important contribution to the local economy through tourism and prime-time national television coverage will certainly encourage more people to visit this beautiful part of the Highlands.”