Two people have been arrested over the alleged theft of two paintings from Billy Connolly's ex-neighbour.

The artworks by colourists Francis CB Cadell and George Leslie Hunter were reportedly taken from Candacraig Gardens, near Connolly's former home at Candacraig House in Strathdon, in 2001.

A 66-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were taken into custody in Bulgaria on a European Arrest Warrant on Thursday, May 26.

The pair, who were arrested in Burgas, are expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Two people have been arrested in relation to the alleged theft of two paintings in July 2001.

"A 66-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were both arrested in the Burgas region of Bulgaria on May 26, 2016.

"The arrests were carried out by police in Bulgaria after Police Scotland sought and was granted a European Arrest Warrant."

Glasgow-born Connolly bought Candacraig House with his wife Pamela Stephenson in 1998 and sold it for nearly £3m in 2014.