A seagull trapped on the roof of a 40ft building in Inverness has been freed after a rescue operation involving a cherry picker and scissors.

The Scottish SPCA was called out to a Longman Industrial Estate after the bird was spotted in distress on the roof of Environmental Reclamation Services Ltd on Henderson Drive on Wednesday.

The animal charity then alerted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which sent to a cherry picker to help free the bird after it became stuck in netting.

Animal rescue officer Sally Fraser was sent up in the lift and managed to rescue the gull using a pair of scissors.

Ms Fraser said: "I took some scissors and gently cut the netting away from the bird. I then quickly and safely put it in the box and returned to the ground.

"Once on the ground I checked the bird over for injury but it was fine and looked very healthy. I was happy to release the animal and it flew off quite the thing.

"I was overwhelmed with how nice the fire team were. I'm quite happy with heights and was only thinking of getting the bird to safety.

"Although some people might think 'it's only a gull', the Scottish SPCA rescues all types of birds and we are really pleased we were able to help in this case."

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.