Highland pupils are celebrating a sharp increase in the number of candidates gaining top grades in this year's Higher exams. A total of 71 pupils achieved 5 A passes at Higher compared to 47 and 49 respectively in the two previous years.
Soon to retire Culloden Academy rector Stephen Dowds signed off with 9 students gaining 5 A passes. He said: "There are magnificent results that are testimony to the hard work of Culloden Academy students and their teachers. I am absolutely delighted."
Overall, 344 pupils passed 5 Highers in one sitting in S5, up from 322 the previous year.
In S6, the number achieving Advanced Higher was broadly in line with last year. However, there were notable successes at Fortrose Academy where 52 pupils passed at least one Advanced Higher.
S4 results were also broadly in line with recent years but, again, there are notable results. At Grantown Grammar School, the number of pupils passing 5 subjects at the highest grades rose by 20%.
Director of Education, Culture and Sport, Hugh Fraser said: "It is hugely satisfying to see consistently good results year on year and such fine individual performances. I congratulate them all."
Chairman of the Adult and Children's Service, Alasdair Christie echoed these words and added: "It is immensely pleasing to see the hard work of young people, their teachers, the parents and carers who support young people through their exam years so clearly recognised in these fine results. Well done to all."