Final preparations are under way for a festival celebrating a Deeside village’s links with the monarchy.
Ballater’s Victoria Week launches on Friday, with a packed programme of more than 60check activities for visitors and residents young and old.
The hugely popular festival will begin with a showing of the new Minions film at Victoria Hall.
New activities lined-up this year include a community art day, teddy bears’ picnic, and a teen team challenge.
The usual favourites will also be held throughout the 10-day festival, including the duck race, pet show, pantomime horse trials, quizzes, discos and ceilidhs.
Families will also be able to enjoy the scarecrow trail, with more than 40 entries from residents, businesses and community groups.
Visitors and locals can follow a map round the village to find the scarecrows and vote for their favourite. Maps will be available from Friday at the box office.
There will also be a potted sports, ghost tours, book fair, strawberry tea and a performance by Tarland fiddler Paul Anderson.
The festival will culminate with a fashion show in aid of cancer support charity Clan in Albert Hall on August 16.
A raffle is also running throughout the festival, with a number of goodies up for grabs – including items made using Ballater Victoria Week’s own tartan, designed by schoolgirl Lizzie Scripps as part of a competition. Tickets are £1 and are available from the Silver Thistle in Bridge Street now, or later in the week from the box office.
All raffle prizes will be showcased at the Knittykittybangbang craft and vintage event at Victoria Hall on Saturday, from 11am-4pm.
To view the full programme, visit www.ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk
Meanwhile, Ballater businessman Alistair Cassie is appealing for the village’s “lucky key box” to be returned. The small white box, which is used for fundraising competitions at community events, was loaned out just before Christmas but has not been returned.
It has been a regular source of fun at the Ballater Victoria Week, and anyone who can help return it should call 01339 755396.