Hundreds of people took part in a new charity event at the weekend in the grounds of a Deeside castle.
The inaugural CLAN at the Castle sponsored walk was hailed as a “fantastic” day out with 300 people taking part in the event.
The partcipants were mainly decked out in purple attire – the adopted colour of the cause.
Staged amidst the refulgent scenery around Crathes Castle, near Banchory, there were walks to suit all abilities in and around the estate.
The three sponsored walks included the Milton Mile, a 5.7-mile route and the 13-mile Banchory Big One taking in woodland tracks around the castle grounds and local area.
Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, attended the event and thanked the fundraisers and volunteers for their work to make the day a success.
She said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to CLAN at the Castle and it’s been great to see such a strong turnout from people across the north-east.
“I am delighted we’ve been able to hold the event in such a fantastic location which has allowed us to include walking routes suitable for a wider range of people, and the opportunity to spend time at Crathes Castle has proved to be a real draw.
“Thanks to the dedication of those who support and raise crucial funds for CLAN at events like these, we are able to continue to develop the wellbeing and support services which saw us support approximately 3,000 people and more than 350 children and families affected by cancer right in the heart of local communities across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland during 2016.”
“People have been collecting sponsorship over the past few months and we anticipate the event will have raised a significant total, but it will take time to finalise this as participants collect their sponsorship.”
First Bus provided free transportation for participants by supplying several buses which travelled to and from Aberdeen city centre and Crathes Castle.
For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647 000 or visit: www.clanhouse.org