Business 'red hot' for Black Isle Bronze foundry
A fine art foundry in the Highlands says its orders are increasing in number, scale and prestige.
Black Isle Bronze said it was "flying in the face of the recession" and owner Farquhar Laing plans to double the foundry's size early next year.
The firm has unveiled a replica of the Eros statute which stands in Piccadilly Circus in London.
The cast was commissioned by the Fine Art Society in London and will be displayed at the city's V&A Museum.
Later, the cast will be exhibited in Paris.
Mr Laing said: "Our philosophy is simple - we never miss a deadline, we never exceed the budget, and the work we produce is impeccably realised."
The foundry was first set up in a disused farm steading on the Black Isle, near Inverness, before moving to purpose built premises in 2002.
Castings of sporting figures have been made by the foundry for Royal Ascot racecourse, Haydock Park, Twickenham rugby stadium and the new Wembley.
A bronze of a thoroughbred mare and her foal cast at the Nairn foundry stands at Chokyu racecourse in Tokyo.
Other previous work has included castings for the art work in Falcon Square, Inverness, and a copy of the Highland Clearances statue in Helmsdale, Sutherland.