The coveted Carve Carrbridge trophy is bound for Poland after a spectacular display of chainsaw art.
Second time entrant Wladek Ligocki was roared on to victory by more than 3,000 spectators in the annual carving extravaganza.
He won for carving entitled Beggar, which depicted a hunched old man.
Mr Ligocki beat defending champion Pete Bowsher from Moffat into second place, ending the Dumfriesshire man’s three year reign as top carver.
As well as the coveted Claymore trophy, the winner walked away with £500 prize money and a brand new chainsaw donated by event sponsors Stihl UK.
When his name was announced, all a shocked Mr Ligocki could say was: “Superb, I can’t believe it, every carving here is so great.”
He also won the Carver’s Choice title today.
Mr Bowsher from Moffat was still on the winner’s podium however, winning the People’s Choice, and taking second place overall.
Third was Michael Tamoszus from Germany and the best new entrant this year was won by Jonathan Sherwood from Harrogate in Yorkshire.
More than 3,000 people turned out to cheer on the international line-up of carvers including local woman Alice Buttress, past winner Iain Chalmers from the Black Isle and new entrant for 2016 Sue O’ Sullivan from the USA.
Event organiser Gavin Gerrard said: “Carve Carrbridge just keeps getting better and we couldn’t do it without the support of all our sponsors including Stihl UK, Spey Valley Hire and many others.
“The volunteers who help set up, work here on the day and take everything down again, are invaluable.
“We welcome around 23 carvers every year and they all comment on what a great atmosphere the event has and what a brilliant community spirit there is here in Carrbridge.
“We’d like to congratulate Wladek on his win today, it was very well deserved, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year.”
