Thousands of people are descending on a Highland town this week for a major event in the motorcycling calendar.
The Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) – which has been held in the Lochaber town for 104 years – started yesterday with a cavalcade of modern motorcycles in Fort Willliam.
Around 280 competitors will be taking part in the six-day event, which is based in Fort William’s West End Car Park and runs from Monday until Saturday, May 9.
Each day the riders will tackle routes of 70 to 110-miles, including some very challenging terrain.
Yesterday between 2.45pm and 3.30pm a 104-year-old Model T Ford vintage car rolled through the town’s high street beside motorcycles in a parade to mark the start of the trials.
The guest of honour at the event was local councillor Thomas MacLennan.
It follows the Pre-’65 trial, a two-day trial involving 140 riders setting off and finishing in the village of Kinlochleven on their motorcycles which have been manufactured before 1965.
Organiser Jeff Horne said: “The weather wasn’t great all day but the rain stopped and the sun did come out for while during the parade.
“We have had funding in the past from government bodies and carried out impact assessments done on the two events over the six days, and they have shown that there is a minimum of £1.5 million revenue to the local economy, which kick starts the season. Most of the accommodation in Fort William is filled by riders, maintenance crews and spectators throughout the week.”