As thousands waited for the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games to begin, a special VIP guest made an unexpected appearance.
The crowds erupted in joyful cheer as King Charles entered the Bellabeg arena, with the sound of pipes piercing through the air.
His Majesty has been taking a well-deserved retreat at his Scottish residence at Balmoral, alongside the Duchess of Rothesay and her children.
Scores of people took out their cameras as the royal vehicle drove around the park, where the audience was greeted with a kind smile and gentle wave by the King.
In a beautifully decorated tent, Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire Sandy Manson welcomed him just in time for the famous march of the Lonach Highlanders.
Compere Robert Lovie remarked that it felt like “time was standing still” as the men entered the arena just as their forbears did so many years ago when the event began.
King Charles in awe of Lonach march
The King stood in admiration as the tartan-clad scores passed by, breaking out into a huge grin as the horse Socks trotted along at the rear.
The refreshing drizzle didn’t seem to bother the umbrella-wielding audience, which patiently waited for the “army of kilted men” to pass by near them.
Thousands pressed against the barriers, eager to shake His Majesty’s hand as he walked about to greet the event’s organisers and selected members of the community.
Donning a Balmoral tartan kilt, the guest of honour then launched the 90-yard sprint – with runners rushing to the finish line upon the sound of the starting pistol.
He later made his way around the park, meeting local Highland Dancers and stopping to wave at well-wishers while sheltered by a brolly.
And after about an hour, he was whisked off back to Balmoral to another cheer.
Lonach Highland Games were a spectacle fit for a king
King Charles’ surprise visit was just the start of the “fantastic” day, filled with fervid competitions and lively music.
It was a special occasion as the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, which started the event in 1843, marked their 200th anniversary.
And they made sure it was a spectacle fit for a king.
While seeing His Majesty was the highlight for Heather Rennie, she couldn’t help but gasp in excitement as the heavy weights tested their strength tossing the cabers.
The 60-year-old, from Braemar, said: “It was just spectacular. The way they throw these things over amazes me every time. A very nice and enjoyable day overall.”
She was there with first-time comer Amanda Bain, 48, who was moved by the sound of pipes as the kilted bands marched around the arena.
And her 13-week-old Spaniel, Bramble, also seemed to be fully taking in the atmosphere of his first games, jumping up and down in excitement at every visitor coming his way.
Were you there too? Check out the best pictures from Lonach Highland Gathering and Games here.
‘Scotland is just stunning’
This year’s event was also a first for Tracey and Barry Jackson, who had come all the way from Cambridgeshire to explore the north-east.
The couple had always longed to visit Aberdeenshire and this proved to be the best opportunity to experience Scottish culture at its finest.
Tracey, 58, said: “We’ve had an absolutely fantastic day. The caber tossing, the pipes, the Highland dancing – it was all just amazing to see.
“And, oh my, the scenery in Scotland is just stunning.”
Her daughter Natasha Measures, who had come with her husband Adam and two-year-old son Jack, were surprised to see so many people brave the rain for the games.
The 35-year-old added: “Nothing can beat the traditional feel of these games. People who aren’t even taking part are all dressed-up – and didn’t seem to mind the rain at all.
“You never get that down in England. It was just amazing.”
Lonach Highland Games ‘makes me proud to be Scottish’
And for Celine Simpson, who has been a regular visitor at the Lonach Highland Games since 1977, the sight of the marchers is always “emotional”.
Hailing the day as “just wholesome”, her 20-year-old granddaughter Lois Noble said the games’ sense of tradition and community makes you want to come back every year.
Celine, from Aberdeen, added: “I always find the march of the Highlanders very moving.
“Seeing them brings tears to my eyes and a sense of pride to be Scottish.”
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