A horse now has neigh fear of bagpipes after a gruelling training regime to prepare for its debut performance at the highland games later this month.
Socks, a six-year-old gelding, hasn’t been practicing his sword dance or fine-tuning his sprinting ability, but getting used to the skirl of the pipes and the beat of drums ahead of the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games on August 22.
The horse has been attending the Lonach Pipe Band practice sessions over the last three months in order to become comfortable with the traditional Scots sounds before his debut.
He will follow in the hoof prints of a long line of horses to provide a supporting role to the Lonach Highlanders in the traditional event.
Socks is owned by Kildrummy resident and Lonach Highlander Derek Gray, who has looked after the Lonach horse on marches since 2013.
Mr Gray said: “Until a few weeks ago Socks had never encountered the sound of the bagpipes or the beat of a drum, so we’ve spent the last few months getting him used to them. Horses have very sensitive hearing so it is important to expose Socks to these unique sounds so that he is comfortable with them.
“There’ll be a few carrots close at hand to keep him sweet and ensure he behaves himself and doesn’t end up in the beer tent with all the other Highlanders.”
Organised by the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, this is the 174th year of the event at Bellabeg.
A major feature of the gathering are the Lonach Highlanders.
Membership is drawn from residents of the local area who descend from the Forbes, Wallace and Gordon clans, and currently numbers 220 men.
Jennifer Stewart, secretary of the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, said: “A horse has long been a feature of the Lonach Highlanders marches and usually gets as a warm a reception on the games field as the Highlanders themselves.
“The debut of a new horse is always special and we hope Socks will have a long association with the Lonach Gathering.”