Thousands of people lined the streets of Aviemore on Saturday as more than 4,000 avid bikers took to their motorcycles for the Thunder in the Glens rally around Badenoch and Strathspey.
Organisers praised the “carnival atmosphere” when locals and visitors intertwined seamlessly to make the 23rd annual festival a roaring success.
And, amidst the roaring of engines and creation of new friendships, another union was in the process of being formed with the involvement of a Stonehaven couple who are committed to tying the knot at next year’s event.
Paula Young and Keith Douglas, who run their own company together, got engaged during the proceedings after Miss Young decided to surprise her partner with a strategically placed banner asking her “joiner” to marry her.
She said: “I have been sick for the last month thinking about it as I have been planning it since March.
“My first thought was that it was a major relief when Keith said yes, but it is definitely one of the biggest and happiest moments for us.
“We came last year for the first time and absolutely loved it. Keith just loves Harleys and Thunder, so this was the ideal place to do it.”
The banner which read “Joiner, will you marry me?” incorporated the Dunedin Motorcycle Club logo, as well as an Aberdeen FC badge – with Miss Young knowing her future husband would not resist the opportunity to drive by his beloved football team’s logo without stopping.
Mr Douglas said: “I was totally stunned, amazed and shocked. I did not expect it.
“I parked up right next to the banner and there she was with a big smile on her face. I just gave her a massive hug and said yes.
“We love it up here and we just couldn’t be happier.”
The couple are meeting today with representatives of the MacDonald Resort in Aviemore to discuss plans for next year’s “Thunder in the Glens wedding ceremony”.
George McGuire, the rally coordinator, said: “It is fantastic that people see this as a moment in their life that they want to remember and see it as the place to do something like that – it really has just given us a proud feeling.
He added: “It has been the biggest and best one yet. Everybody has been in a joyous mood. We all think we are in Benidorm, because it is that sunny.
“Some have rewarded themselves with a cold beer and others a coffee, but it has been fantastic to see visitors and locals really mixing with each other.
“The police have told us they are delighted with how things have run once again and they are happy to see the friendly carnival atmosphere.
“We receive great support and our thanks go out to everyone who helps us.”
