A Moray town is getting ready to welcome pipe bands from across the country next weekend.
Piping Hot Forres will be held in the town’s Grant Park on Saturday, June 28.
Thousands of pipers and drummers – making up nearly 120 bands – will compete in the European Pipe Band Championships, along with pipe majors and Highland dancers on the day.
Visitors will be able to wander around various stalls selling local produce and crafts, and there will also be a fun fair for youngsters to enjoy.
Forres Community Activities Association and local councillor George Alexander first came up with the idea for the event seven years ago and, after teaming up with local residents and David Urquhart, of Forres Events Ltd, were delighted to see 17,000 people turn out for last year’s inaugural showcase.
Mr Urquhart, who has now been appointed as chieftain of this year’s event, said: “It is an immense honour to be asked to be the chieftain at Piping Hot Forres 2014.
“I have been involved in the project for seven years, from its inception, and it gives me a great pleasure to see the event being such a great success, not just in bringing a world-class event to Forres and being able to showcase Moray and how much it has to offer, but also in being a great fun day and a family day out.
“The many happy, smiling faces in 2013 is a memory I will long treasure.
“I know how much hard work has gone into the event, not only from the organisers and supporters, but also from the pipe bands – it is, after all, their day and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.”
Ian Widdowson, chairman of Forres Events Ltd, added: “David’s drive and commitment has added to the success of the event and we are very grateful to him for all that he and we have achieved.
“He has certainly put his heart and soul into it and I can think of no more worthy chieftain for this special day.”