Aboyne Highland Games set to welcome 10,000 visitors
It's the first games since 2019
The returning Aboyne Highland Games are set to welcome 10,000 visitors from across the world on Saturday.
It's the 155th edition of the games, but the first since 2019 after the pandemic put a halt to them.
Pipe bands from across Aberdeenshire and the Highlands will officially open the event on the Aboyne green at midday on Saturday.
The day begins 90 minutes earlier though, at 10.30am.
Nearly 100 events will be staged with competitors vying for honours in piping, fiddle music, Highland Dancing, tug o’ war, the hill race and light and heavy athletics.
Children’s races, a funfair and around 80 trade stands showcasing local crafts and produce also feature.
Alistair Grant, chairman of Aboyne Highland Games, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming competitors and visitors from around the world once again to Aboyne Highland Games on Saturday.
“Seeing and hearing all the action back on Aboyne Green this weekend will be fantastic.
"The massed pipe bands march onto the Green is always a really special sight and sound at the opening of the games and it’s one we have missed for the last two years.
“I would encourage people to come along and experience the traditional Scottish spectacle of Highland Games and enjoy a fantastic day out for all the family.
"Alongside nearly 100 events in music, dancing and athletics, there is the tug o’ war, a large number of trade stands, the Clan Village and ever popular funfair.
“The support we receive from the local community is always greatly appreciated, whether that is through sponsorship or people volunteering their time to set-up and run the games.
"It’s a huge amount of work to host the games and we couldn’t do it without their assistance.”