PICTURES: Were you at Highland Heroes?
The very best of the region’s unsung heroes have been recognised at a celebration in Inverness.
Some 400 people were at the Drumossie Hotel on Friday night for the annual Highland Heroes event – a special occasion to recognise those among us who may not otherwise receive such recognition.
It was an emotional evening of tears – some joy, some sadness – as well as laughter, entertainment, fabulous food and drink, and great camaraderie as more than a dozen awards were handed out.
David MacRae was crowned hero of heroes and also scooped the community champion award for his selfless dedication to Inverness.
Jane Mackintosh was named primary teacher of the year. Deputy head of the North Coast Campus, based at Melvich Primary School, she was described by those who nominated her as "a force of nature" and a role model.
Having recently moved from working in Golspie High School to Invergordon Academy, Catherine Ferguson was "overwhelmed" to be named Highland Heroes' secondary teacher of the year.
She admitted on being nominated that she had been a bit "teary eyed", adding: "I can only do what I do thanks to the other teachers, school staff, pupils and their parents. It really is a community effort to get the right outcome for our pupils."