Bat spotting will take place in Inverness, Beauly and Nairn

Highland Council will hold three night-time walks for the public to help better understand the effects of a long, wet summer on the mammals.

The events will be held in Inverness on 31 August, Beauly on 7 September and Nairn on 14 September.

Rangers said initial reports suggested there were fewer bats than would be expected.

Katy Martin, Highland Council's senior ranger for Inverness and Nairn, said bats played a "valuable role" in reducing midge and mosquito numbers.

"But there are so many prejudiced stories about bats - like they're blind, they suck your blood and get stuck in your hair," she said.

"These bat walks are a chance for people to find out more about them and experience the excitement of hearing and spotting them."