The north-east’s biggest agricultural gala kicked-off yesterday with thousands of people from across the country making the annual pilgrimage to the Turriff Show.
Visitors were blessed with sunshine throughout the day as a carnival atmospheres took over The Haughs as the 151st show got underway.
Families loaded with ice-cold drinks and ice creams gathered around the packed main paddock to take in the event, a highlight of the north-east calendar.
Draws this year included a showcase of classic cars, pigeon and rabbit displays and the Kennel Club’s dog show.
Ria Johnston, 17, and her seven-year-old German shepherd, Sadie, took first place in one of the veteran classes.
She said: “We come every year and have a great time. This show has been very good to us.”
Mum Jenny Wood added: “It’s really good that the Turriff Show provides a Kennel Club dog show – it’s a proper show – and is absolutely fantastic for the event itself.”
The show continues today with the livestock competitions.
Helen Paterson, the show’s secretary, said: “This year for the very first time we have both sheep and cattle showing at the same event, which is great for us and seems to be drawing a crowd from afar. We’re very honoured to be asked to host them.”
The show has grown year-on-year since it began in 1864 and now attracts upwards of 25,000 people visiting over the course of its two days.
Mrs Paterson added: “The show has changed a lot over the years and has moved locations around the area as well. This year we’re hoping to see around 28,000 people across the entire event.
“It’s great for local businesses and hotels and there’s a great buzz around the whole area.”
The north-east’s food and drink larder was a strong theme of this year’s event.
The show received £7,150 of Scottish Government money as part of the Year of Food and Drink 2015 campaign.
Show organisers used the money to showcase the best of the region’s produce – from fresh fruits to fish – in a new area of the exhibition hall.
Today’s highlights will also include a display from horse stunt team Knights of the Damned.
The stuntmen, clad in suits of armour, wowed crowds yesterday with jousting and array of tricks they have used in movies including the Harry Potter and James Bond franchises.
Entry at the gates is £15 for adults and £10 for children and senior citizens.
Children under 12-years-old are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Well-trained dogs are also welcome, but must remain on a non-retractable leash.