CHILDREN from across the north of Scotland descended on Stonehaven at the weekend for an annual chess contest.
About 30 youngsters from as far afield as Orkney gathered at the town hall for the North East Junior Chess Association (NEJCA) contest on Saturday.
The number of competitors was lower than the previous year as some parents decided not to make the journey because of the icy road conditions.
The enthusiasts competed for the Keith Hoban Memorial Cup, named after a Nairn chess player and school teacher who died of cancer four years ago.
The prize was closely contested, with three competitors, two of them brothers, tied in first place after five rounds.
After a final play-off the cup was lifted by Nihad Adbullah, 13, from Harlaw Academy in Aberdeen.
Kemnay Primary provided a pair of winners with Nicholas Straw, 11, winning the Rising Stars trophy while Patricia Kelly, 10, walked away with a prize in the novice event.
NEJCA president Gerald Lobley said the event went “very well” despite the problems caused by the weather.
“We had slightly fewer competitors than we would normally have,” he said.
“We would usually see around 40 to 50 participants, it is our top competition of the year.
“But it was very competitive, a really good tournament.
“Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the day.”
He added Mr Hoban “did a great deal for chess in the north-east”.
The next competition will take place at the Chieftain Hotel in Inverness on March 27. For details go to www.ne jca.co.uk