A 59-year-old woman has died following a three-vehicle crash on the A9 at Tore.
The incident happened on the A9 Inverness to Thurso road between the Tore roundabout and the Cromarty Bridge.
A black Mini Cooper, a white Toyota Hilux and a red Renaut Clio were involved in Tuesday’s fatal crash.
Police, firefighters and paramedics were tasked to the scene at around 9am.
Female driver dies in A9 crash
Despite their best efforts, a 59-year-old woman – the driver of the Mini – was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota Hilux, a 39-year-old man, was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
The Renaut Clio driver, a 30-year-old man, was uninjured.
Police arrested the male driver of the Toyota but he was later released pending further inquiries.
In a statement, Sergeant Neil MacDonald said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who died at this very difficult time.
“Inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the crash. I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone with information that could assist our investigation to please get in touch.”
The A9 was closed for more than six hours as investigations were conducted at the scene.
The crash sparked a large emergency response, with three fire appliances, an ambulance, a critical care paramedic crew and police all tasked to the incident.
The road reopened to traffic at around 3.30pm.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Highland Area Commander Michael Humphreys said: “We were alerted at 9.00 am on Tuesday, April 30, to reports of a road traffic collision involving three cars on the A9 north of Tore.
“Operations Control mobilised three appliances and a heavy rescue unit to the scene.
“Firefighters rescued two casualties, with one passed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service. Sadly, the other casualty was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Our thoughts are very much with their family, friends and the wider community at this difficult time.”
Police appeal for dashcam footage
Police are appealing for motorists in the area at the time of the crash to check their dashcam footage to assist with their inquiries.
Anyone with information is being asked to come forward.
Sergeant MacDonald added: “I would ask any drivers with dashcam to check their footage in case it has anything relevant.
“Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0608 of April 30.”