Police are probing a suspected murder suicide in a Highland village following the discovery of two bodies.
A full-scale land and sea search was launched to find a woman after a 74-year-old man was found dead in his home in Keiss, north of Wick.
The operation, which involved coastguards and a rescue helicopter, was stood down on Sunday evening after the body of the 39-year woman was found in the grounds of Keiss Castle.
Detectives are continuing to carry out investigations in the village where the man's house in Robertson Crescent remains cordoned off.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Geddes said: “Following concerns being raised, around 12.05am on Sunday, the body of a 74-year-old man was found within a property at Robertson Crescent in Keiss.
“His death is being treated as murder. The body of a 39-year-old woman was found within the grounds of Keiss Castle around 8pm during a police search."
He added: “An investigation is ongoing but we are treating these incidents as linked and contained, with no risk to the wider public.
“A police presence will remain in the area while our investigation continues."
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