A Scottish photographer has captured a "haunting" picture of a bridge in Glen Kinglass that comes with a captivating history.
Jimmy Ireland took the moody photograph of the Butter Bridge located in the shadow of Beinn Ime in the Arrochar Alps of Argyll. The southern Highlands spot is perfectly captured in Ireland's image, with a dark grey fog having an imposing presence in the background of the shot.
The name of the bridge derives from the translation of the Scottish Gaelic Beinn Ime: Butter Mountain. Another theory is that it takes its name from the tradition of bringing cattle up into the glen over the summer for pasture, where they would be milked, and cheese and butter would be produced.
Constructed primarily of coursed rubble, the humpbacked, single-arch bridge spans the Kinglas Water. It is located a short distance from the 'Rest and be Thankful' vantage point.
The bridge was erected in the 1740s by British Army officer General Caulfield as part of the English Government's plans to subdue the Jacobite uprising. It was part of the military road network that led into the heart of the Highlands.
Ireland shared more historical information regarding the bridge, writing: "A fairly recent story tells of a hermit who lived by the bridge in the 1950's, Sandy Drummond or the Fairy Man was his name. Originally from Taynuilt towards Oban, it is said he fell out with his employer and moved to Glen Kinglass to lead a solitary life by the bridge in this tranquil setting.
"He was apparently a bit of an attraction and people would come from far and wide to see the hermit of Glen Kinglass. He even helped in the building of the new road which bypassed Butter Bridge reserving it to a pedestrian walkway forever more."
He added: "What a history, if this wee bridge could talk it would tell some very tall tales."
Since being posted in the O Flower of Scotland Facebook group, the photo has received over 700 likes from fellow users. There have also been almost 60 comments left, with group members keen to share their thoughts on the "wonderful" picture.
One wrote: "What a haunting shot. Beautiful composition and a lesson in photography that brooding skies can make wonderful pictures."
"Absolutely stunning pic," shared a second, while a third echoed: "Absolutely gorgeous."
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