A treasure hunter has unearthed a stash of ancient coins which could be worth thousands of pounds.

Mike Aitken found the perfectly preserved 13th century coins with his metal detector.

The 27-year-old, from Killimster in Caithness, discovered the treasure trove only a year after he took up metal detecting as a hobby.

The collection of 27 coins could fetch thousands at auction, but Mr Aitken says he is more likely to loan them to a local museum.

Five of the coins date back to 1279 and feature the head of King Edward I, the so-called Hammer of the Scots.

Others display the head of King Alexander III, who ruled Scotland between 1249 and 1286.

He is keeping the location of his find a closely guarded secret.