A popular country fair which raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity returned to Aberdeenshire for the first time in three years with a new name but some familiar celebrity faces.
Thousands of visitors braved the windy and wet weather at Lyne of Skene to catch a glimpse of some of the stars of popular ITV1 soap Emmerdale who attended the Grampian Country Fair.
About 20 cast members were greeted by screaming fans and spent Saturday mingling with crowds and persuading them to part with their cash in aid of leukaemia charity the Anthony Nolan Trust.
They then moved on to a formal dinner at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in the evening.
Constant rain on Sunday resulted in a drop in visitor numbers but hundreds of people still turned up to see the packed programme of shows and displays, with Emmerdale favourites Chris Chittell (Eric Pollard) and Lesley Dunlop (Brenda Walker) making an appearance on the day after the rest of the cast had gone home.
The two-day fair, formerly known as the Emmerdale Extravaganza, also saw the famous faces play five-a-side football, learn about deer stalking, and even don fancy dress to entertain the crowds.
Held as Grampian Country Fair for the first time, the event featured more than 180 stands, exhibitors and attractions, plus a string of country pursuits including clay pigeon shooting, falconry, horse and pony shows, and a demonstration by the Frilly Ghillie.
Event organiser George Walker said he was “delighted” to have the Emmerdale event back in the country for the first time in three years.
“We have loved the atmosphere of it,” he said.
“The Emmerdale cast have been brilliant, as always.
“There is a lovely buzz about the place. Most importantly it is going to raise huge amounts of money for the Anthony Nolan Trust.”
Dominic Brunt, Emmerdale’s resident vet Paddy Kirk, said it was a “fantastic” day.
“It’s beautiful up here,” he said. “The people are really friendly, that’s the thing you really notice.”
It was the first time in the north-east of Scotland for actress Sophie Powles, who plays Holly Barton.
“I think it’s brilliant,” she said. “Everyone seems so friendly and nice. It’s good we are all doing something fun but at the same time we are giving something back.”
Roseleen Duncan, of Gadle Braes, Peterhead, travelled to the fair to have her picture taken with Emmerdale veteran Chris Chittell.
“I am a big fan,” she said. “He’s a very nice man. There are a lot of people here to see the cast, and it helps to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust.”
Visitors milled around a large marquee sampling goods from local food producers. Teenager Jamie Hutcheon, 19, was exhibiting goods from his Aberdeenshire chocolate business Cocoa Ooze.
“These events help to showcase the diversity of the Grampian larder,” he said.
“The north-east of Scotland has got a great deal to offer.”
Scott Sutherland-Thomson, of Cambus O’May Cheese, said: “It is really important to get your message out there and this is a great way to do that. It’s the best way to get feedback on the produce and find out what people think.”
Elizabeth Simpson, of Woodside of Chapleton, Drumblade, attended the fair for the first time.
“There are a lot of different things going on,” she said. “Something for everyone. It’s really good. I couldn’t ask for better.”