Loch Ness is providing the backdrop for a major TV murder mystery. which is being supported by £200,000 funding from Creative Scotland.

The six-part series, which takes the name of the iconic loch as its title, is being produced by ITV Studios, and began filming in the Highlands last month.

'Loch Ness' features many actors well known from the cinema and small screen such as: Laura Fraser (Houdini and Doyle, The Missing, Peter & Wendy); Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley, Benidorm, Downton Abbey); and John Sessions (Upstart Crow, Florence Foster Jenkins, The Rack Pack) who will take leading roles.

Others include Don Gilet (Brief Encounters, Holby City, EastEnders); Gray O'Brien (The Daniel Connection, Titanic: Blood and Steel, Coronation Street); and William Ash (The Tunnel, Moving On, Death in Paradise).

It was written by Stephen Brady (Fortitude, Vera, Silent Witness) and produced by Tim Haines and Alan J (Willy) Wands (Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Stonemouth, The Field of Blood, Whisky Galore!).

Brian Kelly (Downton Abbey, Outlander, Dracula, Lewis) and Cilla Ware (Double Act, Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands, The Strange Case of Sherlock Holmes & Arthur Conan Doyle) are directing what is being billed as a "gripping murder mystery."

They say the beautiful Highland setting and the vast expanse of Loch Ness become characters in their own right.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

“With a talented line-up, both on and off-screen, and the incredible backdrop of Loch Ness, this is an exciting project. We know that investment in screen can bring great rewards: more jobs, further growth, attract outside investment, and ultimately bolster Scotland’s international reputation.

Natalie Usher, Director, Screen, Creative Scotland, said:

“The Production Growth Fund has allowed us to bring another high-profile television production to Scotland, further developing Scotland’s reputation as a key filming destination where productions can benefit from working with our world class craft and technical talent.”

The fund aims was established to stimulate growth in film and TV drama production in Scotland and attract international productions.