The Indian wife of a former Black Watch soldier has been allowed to remain the UK for more than two years following a visa dispute.

Gloria Macleod had faced being separated from her children after she was refused entry to the UK at Inverness Airport in September.

She was initially granted temporary leave to stay but was then been told she must leave by the end of October.

However, speaking to STV News on Saturday, Mrs Macleod said she has now been granted a 30-month visa to stay in the UK with her children.

She said: "We're just so pleased it's all over. It's like having a weight off our shoulders.

"Now I can move ahead with things and maybe take up a job here."

Mrs Macleod moved to Dingwall in Ross-shire with her children, ten-year-old Meaghan and Siobhan, 11, in July.

Her husband Robert, who served in the Black Watch regiment, stayed behind in Dubai to work and provide for the family.

Mrs Macleod previously a ten-year visa was is valid until 2019 and allowed her to stay in the UK for periods of up to six months.

But acting on advice from the Home Office, Mrs Macleod travelled to Dubai to apply for permanent UK residence before her latest stay ended in December.

However, her Indian passport was seized by officials when she returned to Inverness on September 26.

It remains unclear why her visa was in dispute and Ian Blackford, the MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, began talks with the Home Office to resolve the issue.

Mrs Macleod can apply for another visa in 30 months time and if that is granted, she can then apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Her case follows the high-profile decision to allow the Brain family from Dingwall leave to stay in the UK.

The First Minister was among those who intervened to argue they should not be deported to Australia.