Crowds of people have been lining the streets today to catch a glimpse of the Queen’s Baton Relay as it makes its way around Aberdeenshire.
Provost Jill Webster promised the team could expect a “rousing welcome” as they passed through the region, and she was not wrong as even as they made their way from Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven to the town’s open air swimming pool at 8am the streets were lined with people.
Families, pensioners, school friends and visitors cheered on the baton as it passed through Banchory, Dunecht, Kintore, Inverurie and Oldmeldrum.
Rain showers failed to dampen spirits as people waved flags or settled into camping chairs to wait for the procession.
Inverurie Academy pupil Kade Spencer, 16, said it had been an honour to carry the baton past his proud family.
As the baton reached its last stop before lunch – Meldrum Academy – young rugby players lined up at the doors and frantically waved their flags, while the crowd cheered.
They will put on a display for the relay team before they begin their journey north, taking in Turriff, Banff, Macduff, Fraserburgh and Mintlaw.
Today’s relay will conclude in Peterhead, where there will be a celebration at Catto Park after the baton has passed through the town.
Oldmeldrum spectator Gary McGougan, who said he thought the route allowed more people to see the baton than the 2012 Olympic torch parade, urged people to turn out this afternoon.
He said: “it’s been good. This route covers more of Aberdeenshire.
“I hope more people turn out, there’s a good atmosphere.”