Pupils at four schools in the Highlands are to benefit from improved cycling and walking facilities.

The projects in Sutherland and Caithness are being delivered by the Highland Council through the Scottish Government's Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets (CWSS) programme.

Committee members gave approval for £39,965 CWSS funding for projects at Gledfield, Lochinver, Castletown and Canisbay Primaries.

Vehicle Activated Signs depicting a vehicles speed and either a smiley or sad face will be erected on the road between Ardgay and Gledfield Primary.

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Lochinver pupils will benefit from an improved footpath to their school through a £15,000 project to widen and resurface the route.

This work will be linked with improvement work proposed by Community Services.

A new roofed cycle storage shelter will also be built at Castletown Primary. It will accommodate up to 20 bikes while pupils at Canisby Primary will benefit from a bespoke cycle shelter for up to 10 bikes.

Councillor Deirdre Mackay said: "While work is done to try to reduce road accidents, we can also encourage healthy living and active lifestyles by assisting school pupils to walk and cycle to and from school safely.

"I am sure all four projects will make a significant difference to safety and encourage more young people to walk and cycle."

(LM/CD)