A man has appeared in court accused of shaking an infant and striking her to the danger of her life.

Derren MacLennan, 39, allegedly assaulted the two-month-old baby girl while she was in his care.

He is accused of shaking the baby, striking her forcibly on the top of the head, to her severe injury, permanent impairment and danger of her life.

The alleged attack happened on February 23 at an address in Tain, Sutherland in the Highlands.

The infant is said to be in a "serious condition" at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

MacLennan appeared in private from custody at Dingwall Sheriff Court on Thursday.

He faces a further charge of assaulting a woman while she was pregnant at the same Tain address at Manse Crescent on September 1 last year.

The 39-year-old also appeared before Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen on two breach of the peace charges and an allegation of possessing cannabis resin.

MacLennan made no plea or declaration and was committed for further examination.

He was granted bail to an address at St Andrew Road in Tain.