Kitesurfers from across the world are set to blow Fraserburgh crowds away this weekend in the UK’s premier wind and surf event.
The north-east town’s sandy beaches will play host to Scottish Windfest on Tour, a celebration of extreme and water sports.
This year’s festival also includes a round of the Kite Boarder Cross Europe competition which involves kitesurfers racing around a course whilst negotiating a series of obstacles.
Mark Davies from Fraserburgh’s Synergy Kitesports, one of the top kite sports schools in the country, helped to organise the festival.
He said: “This is the foremost event of it’s kind in the UK and as part of the European tour we’ll see international riders fighting to keep their place on the leader board.”
Mr Davies said the whole weekend was aimed at encouraging the sport at a grassroots level and that although international stars would be on show, “‘it’s all accessible to local people.”
He added: “For Fraserburgh as a location and a tourist destination, one of our biggest assets is the coastline and the same is true for the whole of Aberdeenshire.
“We’re looking to highlight that to local people as well.”
Taster sessions in powerkiting, surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding will all be on offer.
John Barber, of Scottish Windfest on Tour, said: “This year’s event in Fraserburgh will be even bigger than those before through the addition of the Kite Boarder Cross Europe competition.
“These riders are spectacular – for anyone interested in the sport, this is one to watch and for anyone wishing to compete, you won’t be disappointed by the level of competition here.”
The weekend’s festivities have been supported by Aberdeenshire Council as part of a wider effort to help regenerate Fraserburgh.
The local authority’s Regeneration and Town Centres Manager Christine Webster said: “We are delighted to help bring this event to Fraserburgh.
“The Regeneration Plan builds on the unique assets of Fraserburgh and the wind and wave regime, together with the enthusiasm locally for sports of all types is one of these key assets.
“We wish all the competitors good luck for the weekend and would love anyone looking for a fun day to come along.”
The festival on Fraserburgh beach runs from Saturday August 2 to Sunday August 3.