A body has been found in the search operation to find missing north-east kayaker Dominic Jackson.
The 35-year-old was reported missing on Sunday night after he failed to return from a sea kayaking trip in Portsoy, on the north coast of Aberdeenshire.
A kayak believed to belong to Mr Jackson had been recovered from the sea off the Caithness coast, while safety equipment and a paddle has also been spotted in the water.
An unidentified body has now been found in the Lybster area.
Police said the last confirmed sighting of Mr Jackson was on Saturday morning between 10.30am and 11am in the Cullen area, and they have urged anyone with information to contact them.
Inspector Kevin Goldie, who has been leading this week’s police operation, said: “I can confirm that a body was discovered in the water near Lybster at around midday today during air searches by the Police Scotland helicopter. Wick lifeboat was also launched to assist.
“Formal identification has yet to take place, however the family of missing person Dominic Jackson has been updated and we are liaising closely with them.
“Further information will be released when available.”
A Find Dom page set up on Facebook by friends is keeping searchers updated, and the local community has been providing food and offers of free accommodation.
Mr Jackson’s green VW Transporter – which he was camping in for the weekend – was found in the Portsoy area.