Splashing into the icy waters of Loch Ness, more than 1000 people began one of the messiest, muddiest and toughest challenges Scotland has to offer over the weekend.

The Prime Four Beast Race, held at Aldourie Castle near the famous loch, is one of the toughest challenges thrillseekers can tackle and organisers have praised the 1200 people who braved the cold and the mud to take on the course on September 3.

The 10k race sees competitors dive into the freezing cold waters of Loch Ness before climbing a vertical wall, then hauling themselves through thick mud, scrambling under cargo nets, squeezing through tunnels and sliding towards the finish line.

Gordon Lennox was the first person to cross the finish line with a time of 0.50.40.1.

Closely behind him was Bridget Upton who was the first female to cross the line with a time of 1.06.42.4.

"Over 1,000 participants took on the Prime Four Beast Race - and every one of them is a winner," explains Jono Buckland, director at organisers FireTrail Events.

"This is one of the toughest challenges, physically and mentally, with the elements providing a truly beastly challenge.

"In such a challenge there is always endurance, spirit and community and that shone through once again today as the Highlands played host to a day few will forget."