Independence supporters have carved a 25 metre Yes into a hillside.

Richard O'Neill, Bill Fraser, Mark Wilson and Kevin Barclay used garden strimmers to create the political statement near the village of Gardenstown in Banffshire.

They intend to maintain the giant letters until the September ballot.

Mr O'Neill said: "We are all dedicated Yes supporters.

"It's a bit of fun but it's also a a very bold and deliberate statement. We have people who've heard about it coming here to Gardenstown to see the big Yes and para-gliders from all over the country are flocking here to get aerial shots.

"It's helped put Gardenstown on the map and we hope that people who come to see our handiwork will follow up by putting their cross next to Yes on September 18."

Meanwhile, the pro-independence campaign has also announced support from Scottish actor Sam Heughan, who stars in American television series Outlander.

The 34-year-old actor from New Galloway appears in a new video for Yes Scotland to be released this week.

Blair Jenkins, chief executive of Yes Scotland, said: "I am delighted by the endorsement of the talented Sam Heughan who is the latest in a long and growing line of figures from the creative arts backing the independence campaign."