Thousands of spectators are expected to flock to Carrbridge this weekend for the village’s annual chainsaw carving competition.
The 15th edition of the spectacular Carve Carrbridge event is to be held on Saturday, and it will also mark the 300th birthday of the bridge that gave the village its name.
A total of 24 carvers from across the world have four hours to create a work of art from a piece of Sitka Spruce which is 22ins in diameter and 8ft long.
They are only allowed to use chainsaws to produce their sculpture, and burners to add finishing details to the carvings.
The winner of the main carve, as chosen by the judging panel, will be awarded the coveted Claymore Trophy and also walk away with a brand new eco-friendly Stihl electric chainsaw.
There will be a trophy for the Carvers Choice winner – the best carving as voted for by the competitors – plus the usual People’s Choice and Best New Entrant categories.
There are also prizes up for grabs in the Quick Carve, which gives carvers only 30 minutes to produce something special.
Carve Carrbridge organiser Gavin Gerrard said: “We’re really excited for this year’s Carve Carr-Bridge with it coinciding with the 300th birthday of our wonderful Old Bridge.
“This year we have five brand new entrants, including our first Lithuanian carver.”
The event opens to the public at 10am with carving getting underway at 10.30am.
All carvings created on the day are auctioned off at the end of the event following the prize giving, usually at around 4.30pm.