Scotland’s first geopark was launched in Sutherland earlier this month.

Located at Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve and stretching from Coigach in Wester Ross to Cape Wrath and Loch Eriboll in the north, the 2,000sq km (772sq miles) area is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The area has been awarded geopark status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and is expected to attract visitors from both the UK and overseas and help to support sustainable economic growth for the region.

A spokesperson for UNESCO said: “The geopark concept was thought up in response to the perceived need for an international initiative for the recognition of sites and terrains specifically of earth science interest.

“The programme has the dual objective of enhancing the value of sites which act as key witnesses to the Earth’s history while creating employment and promoting regional economic development in a number of sectors.”

The Knockan Crag geopark is the 33rd such park in the world awarded the title.

Others include the North Pennines AONB geopark and the Marble Arch Caves in Northern Ireland. Details: www.worldgeopark.org