Plans for a comedy tour of the Scottish Higlands and Islands have been abandoned after organisers failed to find a sponsor.

The Stand Out Comedy agency, part of the same company that runs the Stand clubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh, has run tours to some of the country's remotest areas for the past three years.

Previously, commercial sponsors have assisted with the costs of organising the tour, but this year after an extensive search none were found.

Director Tommy Sheppard said; "Our regular comedians have had a great time and an enthusiastic reception on previous tours - and this year we could have had a tremendous line up.

"But unfortunately the tour simply can't be done on a commercial basis - it needs financial support from somewhere.

"The venues can't afford the full cost, the Scottish Arts Council have made it clear they're not interested, so that really only left a private sponsor.

"Regrettably we haven't been able to interest a private partner in the tour, but if there is one out there, we'd love to hear from them."

Previous tours have gone to village halls in Orkney, Mull, Syke and all over the Highlands with bills including Craig Hill, Frankie Boyle and Martin Bigpig (pictured).