'Attacked' tourist loved Scotland

Mrs Mendonca pictured on a previous trip to Scotland

A tourist who was seriously hurt in an incident in the Abriachan area, near Inverness, regarded Scotland one of the "most welcoming places on Earth".

Marty Mendonca, 57, a teacher from Vermont, US, was making her third visit to the country.

Colin Ross, 34, of Waterloo Place, Inverness, has appeared in court charged with attempting to murder her with a metal pipe on 5 July.

She is receiving treatment at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

Warm wishes

Ms Mendonca's daughter, who asked not to be named, said her mother described Scotland as "the most warm and welcoming place on Earth" following her first visit.

In a statement issued by Northern Constabulary, she said Ms Mendonca enjoyed spending her free time in the hills and was a member of several mountaineering groups.

The statement added: "Marty's daughter is very grateful to the people of Scotland for all the support and warm wishes she has received since her arrival.

"Marty's daughter is with her mother at present and she wishes to be left to focus on supporting her mother at this difficult time."