Busy events calendar for Highlands and Islands

The West Point Military Academy Hellcats will perform at the Highland Military Tattoo

The Highlands and Islands are gearing up for one of the busiest calendars of festivals and displays in years.

Between now and the end of October, the region will host the Highland Military Tattoo at Ardersier and Gaelic's Royal National Mod in Inverness.

The Mod will involve its biggest fringe event in its 122-year history.

Other events include the Skye Book Festival and the World 24 Hour Solo Mountain Bike Championship at Nevis Range near Fort William.

The Blas Festival, shinty's Camanachd Cup Final and the Loopallu music festival in Ullapool are also being held.

The military tattoo at Fort George will feature a fly past by a Typhoon jet from RAF Lossiemouth and a performance by US military band, the West Point Military Academy Hellcats.

Events already under way include the World Sheepdog Trials at Tain. It is the first time Scotland has hosted the competition.