A hard-working wonder horse named Tarzan proved one of the star attractions at a celebration of “all things wood” over the weekend.
Visitors to the Logie Timber Festival looked on in awe as the powerhouse French-bred horse hauled massive logs across a field, showing off the skills regularly used as part of its “job” in the industry.
Tarzan’s display was among many which caught the eye of the scores of people who attended, with chainsaw carvers also proving popular as they created dazzling sculptures from tree trunks.
Logie Estate owner, Alec Laing, arranged the event to celebrate the launch of the Logie Timber business at the spot south of Forres.
Last night, he said its popularity was such that he will try to make it a regular occurrence.
Mr Laing said: “On Saturday alone we had roughly 1,500 people visiting and there was something for everyone.
“We had everything from timber lorries to people carving wooden spoons.
“Chainsaw carvers produced beautiful animal sculptures from local timber, which people really enjoyed getting to see.
“There was a guy with a lathe set up, and lots of artists and craftspeople.
“There is a chainsaw carving competition at Carrbridge every year but nothing like this in Moray, and I would like to make this a regular event to show that we have much to celebrate here.”
Mr Laing explained that Tarzan is deployed to drag logs out of densely wooded areas where vehicles are unable to transport timber.
He added: “You should have seen the size of the logs he was carrying, and there was always a busy crowd watching him go about his business.”
The industrious animal is owned by Simon Dakin, who runs Highland Horse Loggers and carries out work across the north.
There were more than 60 demonstrations and exhibitors, with sessions on how to make a den and talks about trees also sparking interest.
And there was the chance to sit in the cab of a James Jones and Sons timber truck and learn about the technological advances which are making the business safer.
Logie Timber encompasses a sawmill, a wood drying kiln and a showroom, with a focus on local trees.
It is run by Mr Laing and forester and tree surgeon Mark Councill.
The firm received £54,000 in funding from the Moray Leader scheme to buy machinery.