The soaring sounds of bagpipes and drums echoed around a Deeside town yesterday.
Banchory hosted the fourth North of Scotland Pipe Band Championships and, despite the wet weather, about 2,000 people turned out to watch.
Bands from across Grampian and the Highlands arrived at the King George V park to battle it out in front of an eclectic crowd made up of a range of ages, from children to pensioners.
The event is organised by the Banchory Business Association (BBA) and draws in locals and tourists alike.
Among the big winners on the day were the Grampian Police Scotland Pipe Band which picked up the Tropies International Shield.
Fraserburgh RBL picked up the Banchory Community Salver trophy in the Grade 4A section.
David Rae, of Ellon and District RBL Pipe Band, won the Drum Majors Adult and the 2622 Highland Squadron Pipe Band was awarded the Grade 3 Drumming Tennent Trophy.
Jenny Davidson, who runs marketing consultancy firm JD Solutions, is one of the BBA committee members who helped to organise the event.
She said this year proved just how popular the event had become given the conditions outside.
“Everything went ahead as planned, the weather wasn’t great in the morning but we were pleased to see the crowds turn out by lunchtime,” she said.
“Pipe bands play rail, hail or shine and this year they were out in force, we were really pleased with the standard of music on offer.
“We always thought we would attract an older crowd but actually there were lots of kids out there and lots of young parents in the crowd too.”
As well as the music, there were activities for children, including a bouncy castle and trampolines.
And Banchory Beer Festival’s organisers MFGF Events also pitched up to offer beer, gin and prosecco.
