The Queen’s Baton Relay will pass through Aberdeenshire this weekend as it continues its journey around the country.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to join in the celebrations at a number of vantage points in towns and villages across the region.
The tour will cover more than 400 Scottish communities in advance of the Commonwealth Games, which get underway in Glasgow on July 23.
The north-east celebrations start on Sunday at Stonehaven, where the first baton bearer will set off from Dunnottar Castle.
Aberdeenshire Provost Jill Webster said: “It will be a great chance for our communities to be involved in this historic, global event and we know that people will be out in their droves to give the baton bearers a rousing Aberdeenshire welcome as they pass through our area.”
The approximate times issued by organisers are for a 7.30am start at Dunnottar before the baton continues into Stonehaven.
The route will go from the castle to the town’s open air swimming pool before taking in Allardice Street, Barclay Street, Evan Street and Slug Road.
The next vantage points are scheduled for 8.50am to 9.50am at Crathes and Banchory.
The relay will pass by Crathes public hall and the Royal Deeside Railway before entering Banchory along Station Road, Scott Skinner Square and past the primary school.
At around 10am, the baton is due to pass through Dunecht along Gauchill Road, before heading to Kintore, where it will pass along School Road and Northern Road.
From 10.50am to 12pm, it is scheduled to be at Port Elphinstone, along Elphinstone Road and into Inverurie High Street, Market Place, West High Street, Blackhall Road, Burghmuir Drive and North Street.
By 1pm, the relay should arrive in Oldmeldrum, where the baton bearers will break for lunch at Meldrum Academy before running along the Colpy Road, Commercial Road and Cowgate before visiting the Glen Garioch distillery.
Locals in Turriff will have the chance to see the baton from about 2pm on the High Street, Main Street, Fife Street and Banff Street. From there, it will head to Banff and Macduff at about 2.25pm and will visit Duff House and Banff Castle before following the High Street down to the Quayside and across the harbour to Macduff and along Crook O’Ness Street, Skene Street and Buchan Street.
The baton should arrive in Fraserburgh at 4.20pm, entering the town at Watermill Road then along College Bounds, Denmark Street and onto the Lighthouse Museum.
At 5.45pm, it is due in Mintlaw, where runners will make their way along Station Road and Longside Road.
The final stop on Sunday will be Peterhead from about 6.15pm, where it will head along West Road, Kirk Road, King Street and Queen Street before reaching Catto Park and Balmoor Stadium for an evening celebration event.
Admittance will be free, but those attending must obtain a wristband in advance. The gates will open at 5.30pm and people are advised to arrive early. Wristbands are available from Arbuthnot House, Peterhead Community Centre, Peterhead Library and Peterhead Football Club.
Return to our site next week for full details of the route through Aberdeen City, Inverness and the North of Scotland.