A Moray town was awash with a sea of tartan over the weekend as pipe bands from all over Europe competed in a spectacularly Scottish showcase.
Piping at Forres attracted thousands to the town’s Grant Park to watch more than 100 groups perform.
The European Pipe Band Championships contest, now in its fifth year in Forres, was won by the Inverary and District Pipe Band.
Toasting the victory with a dram, Pipe Major Stuart Liddell said the bus journey back to Argyll that night would be a “lively” one.
The band previously won the trophy in 2014, and built on successful showings elsewhere in the country to reclaim it on Saturday.
Mr Liddell added: “We have been competing at Forres ever since the competition began here, and it is always close between the top few bands.”
The festivities began at 10am with a performance from the Elgin and District Pipe Band.
They were followed by outfits from all over the UK, and international acts came from Holland and Denmark.
Judges marked the groups on their performance and technique, and drum majors were assessed on how crisply they were dressed.
German visitor, Martin S’a’nger, donned a kilt for the very first time as he entered the spirit of the gathering.
He said: “It is so special to have so many bagpipers in one place, and wearing the kilt makes me feel more Scottish myself.”
Tents selling local produce brimmed with visitors, while observers and band members looking to refuel formed long queues at vans selling hot food.
A miniature amusement park added to the festival atmosphere and proved popular with children.
But those side attractions could not detract attention from the pipe bands, whose musicianship wowed the crowds.
There was some local success, as the Elgin and District Pipe Band was crowned champions in the 4b grade.
The sun broke through the clouds at about 6pm as every participating band gathered in the arena for a stunning mass performance of Flower of Scotland.
Many in the crowd sang along as approximately 1,000 pipers and drummers gave a rousing rendition of the national anthem.
This year’s chieftain, Major General Seymour Monro, said the contest “epitomised all that was best about Scottish culture”.
Moray Council leader George Alexander collected litter during the event and praised the army of volunteers who helped it to run smoothly.
He said: “This is a fantastic occasion, but it is one which depends on volunteers and I’m delighted that more people keep coming forward to lend a hand.”
