TOURISM businesses in the Highlands are preparing for a busy summer by recruiting young holidaymakers as Nessie spotters.

Cruise operator Loch Ness by Jacobite has been surprising passengers arriving into Inverness Airport with kits featuring binoculars and a map to help find Nessie.

The firm has just enjoyed its busiest Easter weekend ever, with visitors over the bank holiday up 65% on last year.

The region has seen a 27% increase in overseas visitors, according to the ONS.