Archaeologists have found a carved sandstone fragment believed to be part of a medieval church in Ross-shire.
Highland Archaeological Services said the piece provided a link between an 8th Century monastery and 17th Century church at Tarbat, Portmahomack.
The remains were uncovered during Scottish Water's £3m project to replace mains pipes in the area.
The fragment is part of a column decorated in gothic style and could date back to the 14th Century.
Archaeologist Cait McCullagh said: "We believe it is a very important discovery.
"As far as we know, no other elements of the structure of a later medieval church on this site, dedicated to St Colman, have been found."
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