A Buchan beauty spot became a battleground yesterday as pipers from across Scotland competed for a variety of shields and trophies.
Thousands of music fans flocked to Aden Country Park, on the edge of Mintlaw, for the 21st annual North of Scotland Champion of Champions showdown.
Fourteen teams from across Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen and Moray fought it out for top prizes throughout the afternoon.
The show, which attracted an estimated 3,000 people, is promoted by the hugely successful Buchan Peterson Pipe Band. The group, which was formed in 1970, is currently grade two world champions and emerged as one of yesterday’s big winners.
The competition, which also featured Highland dancing and a drum majors contest, was brought to a close in traditional style with a grand parade of bands, followed by trophy presentations.
Event secretary Helen Simpson said: “It was a really good day. The weather was on our side, although there was a bit of a shower just after 2pm. We managed to get finished before the rain really came on though.
“The numbers were a bit down on last year, but that might be because the forecast wasn’t good and that might have put some folk off.”
The contest dates back to 1993 when it was launched as the annual Banff and Buchan Pipe Band Contest. One of the aims was to promote the musical heritage of the Buchan area to a wider audience.
The gathering grew in popularity over the years after being rebranded North of Scotland Champion of Champions in 1994.
Judges comply with rules laid down by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.