Peterhead’s annual Scottish Week can be the “crowning jewel” in a long summer for the north-east, organisers have said ahead of the gala.
Now in its 55th year, the yearly celebration of the region’s biggest town attracts thousands of local residents and visitors from further afield.
More than 60 events are lined up for Scottish Week 2016 which launches on Saturday with the crowning of the Buchan Queen.
Last night the organising committee’s vice-chairman Scott Ross said this year’s gala promises to be one of the best yet.
“It originated in the early 1960s and there were initially 10 Scottish Weeks around Scotland,” Mr Ross said. “It grew and grew until all towns and cities had their own galas but they’ve declined.
“There’s only one original which remains and that’s Peterhead.”
Highlights of the 2016 lineup include the return of The Blades aerobatic display team, the dog show, an evening firework display over Peterhead harbour, and the newly introduced Best of Buchan awards.
Mr Ross said: “We’re launching this year the Best of Buchan awards. Categories include blue light hero of the year, teacher of the year, business of the year and young ambassador of the year.
“It may be the start of an annual traditional. It will recognise our local stars.”
To mark the 55th edition of Scottish Week the organising committee has released a limited edition event programme which includes images of past Buchan Queens and memories from previous events.
“Back in it’s heyday, people used to come from all over the country to spend their holidays in Peterhead,” Mr Ross added.
“A lot of people contact me as a port of call and I’m aware of people from as far away as Australia are coming. The programme’s been delivered to Portugal, Luxembourg, America, New Zealand and to Spain. We’re going global.
“It’s great to see the community doing something together. It’s the crowning jewel in a long summer.
“Not everyone has the privilege of taking their kids to Florida or Spain, and in the current climate we wanted to bring a bit of joy to the town.”
The Scottish Week programme and tickets for all the events are available from The Trading Post in the town’s Marischal Street. The gala begins on Saturday.