A Speyside family have been honoured for creating the best tattie bogle in an annual competition.
To celebrate the area’s rural heritage, a tattie bogle contest has been running in Rothes for the past four years in conjunction with the Spirt of Speyside Whisky festival.
And this year’s winners were the Shand family, who made their scarecrow in tribute to a beloved family member.
Mum Sally, 39, of Rothes, said the family were inspired by her dad, local farmer Lawrence Meldrum, when making their entry – and added a model sheep to complete the effect.
Mrs Shand was helped by her husband Stephen, 42, daughters Maisy, four, and Emily, two, in modelling Mr Meldrum.
Mrs Shand said: “When my dad saw the tattie bogle he was quite surprised as it did resemble him, and we’d even used his shirt and trousers when making it.
“The whole family was involved, Maisy was a great help making the papier-mache and both girls enjoyed themselves painting.
“This was the first time we’ve entered the competition, but next year we will have to think of something better.”
Yesterday evening Mr and Mrs Shand toasted their win with the wine they were awarded as a prize, while Maisy and Emily tucked into the accompanying box of chocolates.
The contest was organised by the Rothes Community Ltd group, and last night member and Speyside and Glenlivet councillor Pearl Paul praised the efforts of all involved.
She said: “In just four years the competition has become very popular, and people come from across Moray to have a look at the tattie bogles on display in folks’ gardens.
“It’s a bit of fun, and there’s a real sense of humour with a lot of them.
“It’s attached to the town’s history, when people would grow their own tatties and needed to keep crows at bay.”