Organisers have hailed the “wonderful international flavour” of a Speyside Highland Games gathering.
Over 3,000 people flocked to the 72nd Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games on Saturday at the Speyside High School playing fields.
The crowd, which organisers believe was made mainly up of toursits, was treated to performances from heavy athletes from America, Sweden, Holland and Iceland.
They witnessed Nathan Burchett, from Iowa, smash two records in one afternoon, setting new standards in the heavy hammer and 28lb weight throws.
Organising committee secretary Brian Cameron said efforts had been made to appeal to international guest – and said he was pleased that competitors had also come from across the world.
Mr Cameron said: “We have tried to build the competition’s success by attracting more tourists, and this year we estimated that between 60 and 80% of our guests had come from abroad.
“We have developed a wonderful international flavour, and that is now being reflected in the competitors.
“And I think our games gives these participants and onlookers a true taste of Moray, the Highlands and Scotland.”
Ballindalloch estate’s Guy Macpherson-Grant was chieftain of the games for the 29th time this year.
He said: “It was certainly another memorable day at the games.
“The weather started off wonderfully, then at one stage we had the heaviest downpour of rain that I can ever remember us encountering.
“But after 45 minutes or so it cleared up, and it was sun cream weather again.
“It was a really good turnout, and I’m glad those that came along got to see some records being broken.”
Last year, the games event was forced to relocate from its traditional home in Alice Littler Memorial Park to its new secondary school base.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead commended the work involved in continuing the event’s success.
Mr Lochhead said: “The new site for the Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games has proved popular, and I congratulate all the organisers for working their socks off to ensure this year’s event went ahead.
“These games always attract many competitors from far and wide.
“Many visitors from overseas attended – no doubt attracted by the fact these games take place in the heart of Speyside and whisky country.”