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GALLERY: Crowds descend on Aboyne for the much-anticipated Highland Games

aboyne Highland games
Aboyne Highland Games returned with "bumper crowds". Picture by Paul Glendell.

The village of Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, was buzzing with excitement as the crowds gathered for the return of the Highland Games.

Following a two-year Covid absence, the event returned with a “bumper” turnout looking on, as participants competed in traditional Highland sports.

Also known as the Traditional Highlands Games, the event dates back to 1867 and is considered the first, now there are 60 different events across Scotland yearly.

Heavy events this year included caber toss, tug o’war, and hammer throw showcased the competitors’ brute strength.

Highland dancing competitions saw the dancers compete in traditional costumes across a large number of classes.

Piping competitions, for solo performers, heard the music and melodies of the piping bands.

Crowds braved the occasional bit of drizzle, some coming as far as Germany and the United States to see the best in ancient Highland traditions.

Mass pipe bands gathered to entertain the crowds with traditional pipe band music. Picture by Paul Glendell.
Competitors in the adult category of the sword dance as part of the Highland dancing. Picture by Paul Glendell.
J Dawkins competes in the 16lb shot put as part of the heavy events. Picture by Paul Glendell.
Stewart Clark (blue shirt) winner of the 220 yards run. Picture by Paul Glendell.
Catriona and Donald Farquharson of Finzean by the Clan Farquharson tent. Picture by Paul Glendell.
Crowds gathered in the village of Aboyne for a day of traditional Highland Games. Picture by Paul Glendell.
aboyne Highland games
Strathardle Inn compete in the tug o’war. Picture by Paul Glendell.
Brylee Kirk competing in the 16lb shot put. Picture by Paul Glendell.
The air was filled with the music of traditional pipe bands. Picture by Paul Glendell.
aboyne Highland games
Crowds watching on as a competitor throws the hammer. Picture by Paul Glendell.
Competitors in the open Highland dancing competition 10 to 12-year-olds. Picture by Paul Glendell.
aboyne Highland games
Ballater and district pipe band relaxing before the massed pipes event. Picture by Paul Glendell.
Stewart Clark competes in the triple jump as the crowds watches on. Picture by Paul Glendell.
aboyne Highland games
Despite the occasional drizzle, pipe bands showed off their musical talents. Picture by Paul Glendell.
The triple jump is one the most competitive events at the Highland Games. Picture by Paul Glendell.
aboyne Highland games
A tug o’war team usually features six competitors competing against a rival team. Picture by Paul Glendell.
A female competitor in the Open category of the 16lb shot put. Picture by Paul Glendell.
aboyne Highland games
Gale and Jim Paynes who travelled from Arizona in the USA to attend the event. They are members of the Farquharson Clan. Picture by Paul Glendell.
Beginning in 1867, The Aboyne Games have retained traditional Scottish attire for its pipers. Picture by Paul Glendell.
aboyne Highland games
Dancers waiting to compete in the hotly-contested Highland dancing competition. Picture by Paul Glendell.

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