Thousands descended on Speyside at the weekend as the Gordon Castle Highland Games were extended to two days for the first time.
Spectators travelled from across the country and abroad to take in a traditional display of heavy events, dancing and entertainment amongst a boutique of trade stands.
But it was an Englishman who took home the top prize in the ring – setting a new games record in the 28lb for distance in the event on the way.
Crowds stayed until the end of the main competition yesterday to witness the climax of two days of entertainment.
For the first time the programme of events at the Fochabers estate began on Saturday with guests encouraged to dress in vintage clothes to celebrate the games’ heyday in the early 20th century.
Despite the sodden conditions, thousands still poured through the gates to enjoy falconry displays and marvel at massed pipes and drums from the Highland Military Tattoo.
Last night owner Angus Gordon Lennox revealed that he was considering making the Saturday a permanent feature of the games.
He said: “It’s too soon to tell what we’re going to do next year. There were a lot of different events on both days, which resulted in a lot of people coming both days.
“There’s been a lot of tourists here, from Holland in particular. It’s been marvellous to have such fantastic support again.”
Yesterday the sun brought considerably larger crowds with dog parades and demonstrations proving popular in the country sports ring.
Spectators also flocked to the newly-established vintage village to get up close with rare breeds of farm animals as well as watching displays of traditional manufacturing methods.
Clare Morrison, owner of Mulben-based Speyside Falconry, said: “A lot of people don’t get to see birds of prey so it’s nice to have this opportunity.”
However, the centre of attention throughout the day remained on the main ring as athletes competed to win top honours.
Multi-talented Scott Rider, from Dartford in east London, competed in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and has also represented Great Britain at the Winter Olympics in the bobsleigh.
And yesterday a games record of 85ft 7inches in the 28lb for distance and a perfect caber toss helped him on the way to winning the open tournament.
A breathless Mr Rider revealed that “wearing a kilt” was the main draw for him becoming a regular on the highland games circuit.
He said: “I drive all the way up here for them so it’s quite a journey. Winning whisky makes it worthwhile though.”
Lukasz Wenta from East Kilbride set the only other games record in the open tournament, throwing the heavy ball 45ft 8inches.