Drivers have been slammed by rescue teams who had to recover two cars driven onto a Highland beach.
The Melness Coastguard team had to be diverted to the Kyle of Tongue sands on the way to a serious incident yesterday afternoon to assist.
The vehicles had become stuck on the beach in what authorities called an "avoidable incident".
Now the Highland Coastguard has condemned those responsible, saying things could have ended very different in what was "clearly not a clever move."
They said: "What can we say.
"Driving vehicles on our stunning Highland beaches is clearly not a clever move.
"If the Melness Coastguard Rescue team, local police and community had not organised recovery of not one, but two vehicles, this would have ended very differently.
"Please respect the Highlands when you come and visit our beautiful coastline.
"The team were tasked for a very serious incident West of them and were diverted by this avoidable incident.
"Thankfully our team in Kinlochbervie assisted."
It comes as seven people were saved from a sinking boat in nearby Kinlochbervie.
RNLI lifeboat crews were dispatched to the scene around 2.40pm on Saturday August 1.
Once those on board were taken to the safety of the harbour, teams searched the area where the vessel sunk and recovered several items from the water.
They included fish boxes, baskets and a lunchbox, complete with uneaten sanwiches.
