The fearless actions of two officers from Inverness have been recognised at the Scottish Police Federation Bravery Awards.
Constables Lynn Cameron and Craig McFarlane forced their way into a burning flat by kicking the door down and go the resident out of the building.
During the rescue, PC Cameron had to remove her body armour to crawl into the smoke-filled flat, and feel her way to the woman.
The two officers received an award for their efforts to save the life of the vulnerable woman who had set fire to her home in March.
With other residents at home in the building, the officers quickly got them to safety before forcing entry into the flat, by kicking the door down.
When she reached her and tried to bring her out to safety, the woman began struggling and resisting help. In spite of the conditions, Constable Cameron managed to restrain the woman and get her out of the building.
Both officers suffered the considerable effects of smoke inhalation as a result of helping the woman.
Constable Lynn Cameron, said: “The woman had a history of mental ill health.
“When we arrived, she had set fire to some of the contents of her flat which was already starting to spread.
“We had to get her out, as well as the other residents. Thankfully we were able to do this and no-one was hurt.”
Sergeant Graham Brown, who nominated the officers, said: “As a result of their quick thinking and selflessness, I believe the officers saved the life of the woman and the lives of the other occupants as the risk of the fire spreading was very real.”
Andrea MacDonald, chairwoman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “The actions of Constables Cameron and McFarlane that day were incredibly brave and demonstrate the dangerous and life threatening situations that officers find themselves in all too often.”
The fourth annual awards, held in the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel in Edinburgh, honoured 22 officers who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.