A Moray sculptor has created a 9ft Loch Ness Monster for the Commonwealth Games.
The sculpture by Stuart Murdoch will welcome the 6,500 competitors staying in the athletes village during the sporting extravaganza.
Mr Murdoch, who lives in Ballindalloch, said he was honoured to be asked to work with Glasgow 2014.
“The Loch Ness Monster is recognised globally as an icon of this country,” he said.
“In this work I wanted to represent the nation’s mythology, creativity and ancient history, as well as to highlight the grit and determination shown by all the Commonwealth athletes.
“It is a beast that has inspired our people since before the first written word. I hope it inspires all the athletes in the village.”
Much of the Aberdeen-born sculptor’s work is derived from the scenery and wildlife around him and Caithness stone, Scots elm, and Clashach sandstone from Moray were among the materials he used to create the Nessie sculpture, which also incorporates a bench.
Glasgow 2014’s Head of Village Operations Tony Sainsbury said: “The monster sculpture is a fantastic addition to the athletes village.”
Nessie’s new home is right on the doorstep of Celtic Park in Glasgow, the venue for the Games’ opening ceremony.