NESSIE has been voted the ultimate Highlands and Islands icon by visitors to the Highland 2007 website.
Worldwide nominations came after an initial competition in Scottish Provincial Press titles and the top six most popular icons were then put forward to an online poll.
Chair of Highland 2007 Alison Magee said: "We are delighted by the response we received for the online vote.
"It's great to see so many people from all over the world visiting the Highland 2007 website and finding out more about what is happening as part of the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture.
"Nessie is a deserved winner of the title as she is a recognised icon throughout the world and always draws visitors to the Highlands in their hunt for the elusive creature."
Other nominations included Flora Macdonald and Rob Roy Macgregor