A record-breaking turnout of almost 4,000 people witnessed a spectacular display of chainsaw art in the Highlands at the weekend.
The 15th edition of the Carve Carrbridge contest was staged in the village on Saturday as 24 sculptors from around the world battled it out in the sun for a range of prizes.
Ramondas Uzdravis, the first Lithuanian carver to ever take to the field at the event, almost swept the board with his “My Trained Dragon” carving.
Not only did he win the top judges’ award – the coveted Claymore Trophy and the prize of a brand new eco-friendly Stihl electric chainsaw – Mr Uzdravis was also victorious in the Carvers’ Choice category and as Best New Entrant.
Afterwards, Mr Uzdravis joked on social media that he had succeeded where his compatriots had not, with his victory coming just hours after Scotland’s footballers had defeated Lithuania 0-3 in a vital World Cup qualifier in Vilnius on Friday night.
“Thank you, Scotland,” he added.
This year’s runner up was seasoned Carve Carrbridge entrant Tim Burgess with “Good Knight”, while in third place and also winning the People’s Choice award was former champion Pete Bowsher, with his golfer “Four Carrbridge”.
Each entrant had just four hours to create a work of art from a piece of Sitka Spruce which is 22ins in diameter and 8ft long.
They are only allowed to use chainsaws to produce their sculpture, and burners to add finishing details.
The event is organised by a team of volunteers with the help of the sponsors and local businesses, with funds raised being donated to the local community.
All carvings created on the day are auctioned off at the end of the event following the prizegiving.
Organiser Gavin Gerrard said they were still to confirm the attendance but they expected it to be the highest ever of between 3,500 and 4,000 people.
“The feedback was that it was really buzzing,” he added.
