Man accused of metal pipe attack

The man appeared in private at Inverness Sheriff Court

A 34-year-old man has been accused of attempting to murder a US tourist with a metal pipe on Loch Ness side.

Colin Ross, of Waterloo Place, Inverness, is charged with attacking the 57-year-old woman in Abriachan, south of the city, on Wednesday.

He made no plea or declaration when he appeared in private at Inverness Sheriff Court and was committed for further examination.

No application for bail was made and he was remanded in custody.

He is expected to appear in court again next week.

The woman, who was found by police dogs at 1830 BST, was taken to Raigmore Hospital. Her condition is described as critical.

She had been dropped off in the area at 1000 BST, intending to walk back to Inverness, but failed to arrive.

Northern Constabulary have appealed for anyone who was in the Abriachan area, especially walkers or hikers who were in the Blackfold area near Balliemore, to contact police if they saw anything suspicious.