Love note graffiti has been removed from a Highland road after a complaint was received from a member of the public.

The message, which first appeared on a rock face on the A835 near Ullapool in the 1970s, stated: "Del ♥ Kelly."

Bear Scotland, which maintains the route, said it had initially covered up the message after receiving a complaint.

In the last week the graffiti appeared again, before being blocked out a second time.

The move prompted a petition calling on its reinstatement on Friday, with backers asking the question: "Where is the love?"

It had gathered more than 280 signatures in support, before Bear Scotland confirmed it would not remove the painting if it was to appear on the rock face again.

A Bear Scotland spokeswoman said: "We work hard to maintain the routes we manage across the North West to the highest possible standards and after a public complaint, we removed the graffiti in line with our contractual obligations.

"However, the note is clearly significant to the local community and it will not be removed should it reappear."

The petition to reinstate the graffiti stated: "Despite the original artist and love story becoming lost in time and local folklore, the landmark symbol became an iconic part of the Highlands loved by locals and visitors alike yet has been smothered in black hearted paint thanks to a callous Bear Scotland - a company supposedly responsible for road maintenance in the region (excluding potholes, culverts, verges and road signs and safety) who say they received 'a complaint' from a love hating anonymous member of the public."