Aberdeen’s Highland Games have been cancelled this weekend because of the downpours.
The popular event, which was due to be held on Sunday at Hazlehead Park, was called off after inspectors agreed the grounds were too waterlogged.
Even if the rain lets up, the arena and car park would still be too sodden.
More than 10,000 spectators were expected to attend the games to watch the traditional displays of Highland dancing, caber tossing, pipe bands and athletics.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeen City Council said: “Unfortunately, due to the heavy and persistent rainfall, we have had to take the decision to cancel this year’s Highland Games.
“Although disappointed, we hope that everyone who had planned to visit and indeed those who had expected to participate in Aberdeen’s Highland Games this weekend will appreciate that we have not taken this decision lightly.
“The games are always very popular with citizens and visitors to the city who travel a considerable distance to enjoy the day-long event.
“We also know a lot of children will be disappointed, especially as this year’s games were due to be held on Father’s Day.”
The games calendar for the region is already set for this year, meaning that the Aberdeen event cannot be rearranged for later in 2016.
Refunds are available for anyone who purchased tickets for this year’s games from Eventbrite.
However, this year’s Oldmeldrum Highland Games at the Pleasure Park in the village will still on course to go ahead as planned on Saturday.
Games secretary, Gordon Forsyth, said: “We’re still full steam ahead.
“The park is a wee bit damp right now, but the drainage is coping well and it’s still firm underfoot, and the forecast is good for the weekend.
“It’s a shame Aberdeen has had to cancel but we’ll be going forward with our games as planned, and of course everyone is welcome along.”
