Highland Council could be forced to make savings of up to £72m over the next three years.

The local authority said it faces a £26m gap in its budget next year and is struggling with an "unprecedented degree" of uncertainty over its finances.

The council plans to put forward suggestions about potential savings once the Scottish Government's council funding settlement is announced on December 15.

Highland Council said it will likely have to make savings totalling between £47m and £72m over three years from 2017/18.

Council leader Margaret Davidson said: "This is really is the most worrying financial situation. Local government is undoubtedly shrinking - £10m came out of our revenue budget in February 2016 and we expect to be 25% smaller in three years' time.

"Our hands are very tied by the constrictions imposed by the Scottish Government.

"This will mean that budget reductions will be much higher for services which are not ring-fenced or protected by Scottish Government policy."

The independent councillor added: "Unprotected services could have to find 23% savings. We will need to discuss options with communities and we want to offer communities the opportunity to help themselves to provide some services locally, where the council can no longer do so."

Councillor Bill Fernie, who is responsible for overseeing the council's budget, said: "The next three years are likely to be the most challenging ever faced by Highland Council."