Now in its 58th year, the event once again proved popular with attendees from the north-east and beyond descending to Hazlehead Park yesterday.
Traditional favourites such as tossing the caber, piping and highland dancing competitions and a tug of war were all on display.
Run by the city council, the Aberdeen games have often been overshadowed by their more historic counterparts in Aberdeenshire – particularly events in Aboyne and Braemar.
But council chiefs have expressed their desire to “enhance” the city games both to boost tourism and provide the city’s residents with another major event.
A recent report revealed the 80 Highland games across Scotland brings in about £25million to the national economy each year, with around 25% of visitors travelling from overseas.
Douglas Lumsden, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “Aberdeen’s Highland Games is always a highlight on our summer city events programme.
“Regularly attracting over 10,000 visitors, Aberdeen’s Highland Games is a special combination of traditional Highland Games events alongside family entertainment, making it a wonderful day out.
“For decades it has been popular with local residents as well as visitors from far and near, making it a very important part of the city calendar.
“As a council we have invested significantly in bringing new events to Aberdeen – including Spectra, Nuart Aberdeen, Tour Series cycling and the Great Aberdeen Run – but the traditional events are the foundations we are building upon and it is fantastic to see the Highland Games thriving.”
Hazlehead, Queens Cross and Countesswells councillor John Cooke said: “I’m delighted that once again the games have taken place in the Hazlehead ward.
“I love the games. I think it’s a great show of support for our cultural heritage and I wish everyone taking part the best of luck.
“I’m now past the stage of throwing the caber myself.”
