An owl which was found up a chimney as just 'skin and bone' has been rescued by big hearted Scots animal lovers.
Shocking pictures show the bird was discovered with its feathers almost completely black from the soot and grime and with red inflamed eyes.
Scottish SSPCA chiefs gave the owl a 'much needed' bubble bath and medicine to get her back into health.
She has since been flying again and has regained weight.
It is unclear exactly where the owl was found, but the animal has now been transferred to the care of the Falkirk Wildlife Conservation Group who will watch her progress.
The Scottish SSPCA released pictures and a statement on the owl.
The statement read: "This tawny owl came in to our care in a sorry state. She was found in a chimney, skin and bone, covered in soot and grime with inflamed eyes.
"Thankfully her vision was okay and we treated her to a lovely spa bath and prescribed some much-needed medication. We kept an eye on her in our outdoor aviary as she built up her flight strength and regained weight.
"Recently, we released her back into the wild on a warm Spring evening.
"What a difference from when we rescued her! Our friends Falkirk Wildlife Conservation Group - FWCG will continue to monitor her."
