A 1,200-year-old standing stone discovered in the Highlands has carvings never before seen on a Pictish stone, archaeologists have said.
The stone was found lying in the ground and covered by vegetation at an early Christian church site near Dingwall.
Archaeologists have now revealed the side of the stone that was down in the earth and hidden from view was decorated with "two massive beasts".
Just over a metre of the original two metre-tall (6ft) stone survives.
The beasts were carved down the side of a cross.
John Borland, of Historic Environment Scotland and president of the Pictish Arts Society, said: "The two massive beasts that flank and surmount the cross are quite unlike anything found on any other Pictish stone.
"These two unique creatures serve to remind us that Pictish sculptors had a remarkable capacity for creativity and individuality.
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