A traditional horse and carriage will make its way through Royal Deeside next month, giving people the chance to take a step back in time.
The 60-mile journey from Braemar to Aberdeen will take two days, and will resemble the route mail coaches took before the railway network arrived in the north-east in 1850.
The trip has been organised by Ewan MacInnes, of Maryculter Carriage Driving School, to raise money for the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution.
Bids are now being taken to be in with the chance of securing a seat on one stage of the trip, which will begin at former coaching inn the Invercauld Hotel, Braemar on August 21 and end the next day at Duthie Park in Aberdeen.
The group will call at Crathie, Ballater, Dinnet, Aboyne, Potarch, Banchory, Mains of Drum and Duthie Park over the two days.
Mr MacInnes said: “We will be able to accommodate eight passengers for each of the eight stages of the journey which means 64 people will have the opportunity of enjoying a ride on the coach.
“It will be a fun outing and I hope those taking part will enter into the spirit of the occasion by dressing up in the style of the era, although that is not essential.”
And Mr MacInnes said that even those not lucky enough to get a seat on the coach at any of the stages could still get involved, as the coach will stop at each calling point for about half an hour so the four horses can be swapped out. People can go along to admire the procession, or follow it along the road on foot.
Mr MacInnes has had the Royal Highlander coach – formerly known as the Sheffield Telegraph – for about 10 years, and although he has enjoyed private trips on it, this will be its first major public outing.
Last year Mr MacInnes and four other horse team owners took part in a drive from Edinburgh to Gretna Green for RSABI, and raised £5,000.
He is hoping to equal – or better – that amount at this year’s event. The money raised will go towards the charity’s work in supporting and advising individuals and families with a background in farming or estate work who are suffering hardship through injury or illness.
Hopeful carriage-riders can make a postal offer of a minimum of £50 per seat to be in with the chance of securing a seat. The deadline is August 1, and places will be allocated on a highest bid and then first-come, first-served basis.
For a booking form, or to view the timetable for the two days, visit www.marycultercarriages.co.uk