The north-east’s biggest summer gala was launched on Saturday with a colourful town centre carnival.
Hundreds of families flocked to Peterhead’s Drummers Corner for the beginning of Scottish Week and the crowning of the Buchan Queen.
Saturday’s line-up included local dance troupes and Scottish singers, despite early technical difficulties for the organisers.
But although the early performances were delayed by the sound system issues, the annual crowning of the Buchan Queen – the highlight of the Scottish Week launch – was right on schedule.
Queen Shauni Bremner will be joined by her princesses Kimberley Kaminiski, 21, and Suzanne Walker, 18, at the various events lined up throughout the week.
The 23-year-old care home worker said last night: “It was an amazing day from start to finish and the two princesses Kimmy and Suzanne made it even more special.
“There is so much happening from picnics to the cat show and sand castle competition. I cannot wait to get stuck in and be involved in the community.”
Yesterday, hundreds of people flocked to the town’s Old Parish Church for the annual combined Sunday service before enjoying a picnic in the park, with entertainment from Modo’s circus performers.
Other activities this weekend include the popular bay swim and raft race at the Lido on Thursday, followed by a huge fireworks display.
But the biggest coup for the organisers is the return of The Blades aerobatic display team, who are expected to wow the crowd with their world class daredevil skills. The team were due to take to the skies last year, but their two attempts had to be aborted due to fog.
Scott Ross, vice-chairman of Scottish Week, said despite the initial technical difficulties on Saturday, it was shaping up to be a good week.
“Saturday was a busy day and there were so many things going against us including problems with the generator and sound system,” he said.
“I always feel Scottish week is a bit like Marmite. I know people who don’t like it and that’s fine, but you get the opposite with those verging on obsession.”
Scottish Week has been held in the town every year since 1961 and brings thousands of visitors to the Blue Toon.
Scottish Week-style celebrations were rife in towns and villages across the country during the 1960s, but gradually died out.
The Peterhead event is now the only one of its kind in Scotland.