An annual festival celebrating springtime in Scotland will return to the north-east this year.
Three Aberdeenshire venues will be taking part in the Snowdrop Festival, which lasts until March 11, joining 50 other sites nationwide.
The event, which is now in its 12th year, aims to encourage nature-lovers from far and wide to enjoy the displays of blooming snowdrops on offer, marking the end of wintertime.
This year Fyvie Castle Woods will be taking part again along with Bruckhills Croft in Rothienorman and Ecclesgreig Castle at St Cyrus.
The festival is organised by tourism group Discover Scottish Gardens and is supported by Visit Scotland.
Other Scottish sites taking part in the event include the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Dunnidald Castle in Montrose and Abriachan Garden Nursery at Loch Ness.
Jo Robinson, regional director VisitScotland said: “Over the past decade, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival has grown to become an annual highlight with the arrival of these dainty little flowers heralding that spring is just around the corner.
“It’s great to see these Aberdeenshire gardens included as part of this year’s line-up, as the festival provides a welcome boost for the local area during a traditionally quieter period of the year. I hope as many people as possible will get out and about to enjoy this great seasonal sight.”
The versatile herbaceous plant, scientifically known as Galanthus, has more than 2,500 named varieties and its adaptability and hardiness means it grows in a great range of locations across the world.
The festival begins this weekend and is blooming until Sunday, March 11. For more information go to:
http://www.visitscotland.com/snowdrop
