One of Virgin's new Azuma trains has travelled to the Highlands for the first time on a test run.
The journey took it north of Edinburgh to Inverness on Friday, before travelling back to its depot in Doncaster on Saturday morning.
Virgin said the train, which takes its name from the Japanese word for "east", will be rolled out on the east coast main line from next year.
The test run by manufacturer Hitachi is part of a programme to prepare Scotland for the arrival of the 65-strong Azuma fleet.
David Horne, Virgin Trains' managing director on the east coast route, said: "Azuma will bring a new era of style in long distance rail travel and we're excited to see preparations gather pace that will help transform services for passengers across Scotland."
The first of the trains is expected to enter service in December next year as part of a two-year rollout programme, with Azuma services due to operate from five Scottish cities from 2019.
Andy Rogers, programme director for Hitachi Rail Europe, added: "Our rigorous test programme is moving apace ahead of the trains entering service next year.
"Over the next 12 months, passengers and enthusiasts will be seeing plenty more of our British-built Azuma trains testing in Scotland."
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