Thousands of people are expected to descend on a small Highland village this weekend for an annual exhibition of chainsaw artistry.
More than 20 carvers will wield their saws at the 14th Carve Carrbridge today.
It follows hot on the heels of last weekend’s Thunder in the Glens motorcycle event which also attracted thousands of visitors to Badenoch and Strathspey.
Organisers of Carve Carrbridge hope that their event, now in its 14th year, could attract around 3,000 spectators.
Among the star attractions will be defending champion Pete Bowsher, from Moffat, who has won the event seven times in total and the last three in a row.
Carve Carrbridge organiser Gavin Gerard said: “We have an amazing line up of British and international top carvers again this year and they will all be out to topple Pete Bowsher – I don’t see the other competitors letting him make it four in a row for the Claymore Trophy.
“The competition is going to be really stiff and probably one of the most exciting years to date.
“Also for the chop this year is carver Simon Archer’s beard.
“He’s doing a sponsored beard shave in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support, although he’s assured us that normal shaving kit only will be used.”
Carve Carrbridge is a unique four hour speed carving competition with competitors only allowed to use chainsaws and no other form of cutting tools.
It is considered to be the toughest competition on the world carving circuit.
The main four hour event will be followed by a 30 minute sprint competition, with the carvers aiming to create spectacular results in a short space of time.
The event opens to the public at 10am today with carving getting underway at 10.30am.
All carvings created on the day are auctioned off at the end of the event following the prize giving, which usually happens around 4.30pm.
As well as the carving competition there is a whole host of other attractions for spectators to enjoy including opportunities to try your hand at green wood working skills; making music from a range of handmade wooden instruments with the woodland orchestra.
Along with all of that there is music from the Strathspey Pipe Band and over 30 stalls to browse and there are free shuttle buses from the Landmark and Station Road car parks.
