Aberdeen will host its first-ever international hockey competition this week.
The Grand Masters Four Nations Tournament will be played across three city venues on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Men’s teams in the over-60, over-65 and over-70 age grades will battle it out at Countesswells, Aberdeen Sports Village and Rubislaw to become the best in Britain.
Masters hockey is one of the fastest growing sports on the planet, with a World Cup to be contested in Japan next year.
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Organiser Colin Gallacher – who is missing the event due to injury – said: “The status of this tournament has been elevated beyond anything it ever was before.
“Normally, it rotates between the home nations – and in Scotland usually things gravitate towards the central belt.
“We’ve been arguing for years that we should bring an event up here – and now we’ve been given this chance.”
It is hoped the north-east economy could be boosted by the 350-plus players and officials flocking to the city from across the Home Nations.
The former Ellon Academy teacher continued: “With the age of those taking part – most are retired or well on in their careers – they tend to make it a bit of a holiday.
“Different teams have booked out a number of hotels across the city.”
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen will attend a civic reception and dinner with players and officials on Saturday at the Beach Ballroom.
Organisers have tried to spend their money in the north-east where possible with trophies and catering services sourced locally.
It is hoped the tournament might also boost playing numbers – with invites to schools and clubs around the north-east.
Mr Gallacher added: “Looking at it on paper – over-60s, 65s and 70s – there might be a tendency to think it will just be old boys standing still with no excitement to it.
“But there will be a number of former full international and Olympic players playing and the skill level is still very high.”
Play starts at all three venues at 4pm on Friday, and entrance is free.
