Huge crowds descended on a Speyside estate yesterday to watch athletes of all descriptions show off their talents.
The Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair is a tradition dating back to the early 20th century, and since its relaunch in 2011 it has become a staple of the Moray calendar.
Several records were broken during the heavyweight events, while organisers also said they believed they had welcomed a bumper crowd.
Estate owner Angus Gordon Lennox said: “Just going by early indications, I think we had quite a lot more people attend this year’s games than we have ever had in past years.
“We have certainly been lucky with the weather, and also lucky that quite so many people wanted to come along.
“I think we’ve found a formula that works, in that the day offers events and attractions to appeal to everyone in the family.
“It appears everyone has had a great day, and for us, the planning of next year’s event starts now.”
Among the thousands who basked in springtime sunshine at yesterday’s event was a delegation of dignitaries from the Chinese embassy.
Eager to get a taste of Scottish culture, the party – led by Minister Xu Jin – took in the traditional spectacle at the historic Fochabers venue.
The group met Mr Lennox and his wife Zara, as well as Moray MP Angus Robertson and MSP Richard Lochhead during the day.
Mr Gordon Lennox added: “Our guests from the Chinese embassy were absolutely thrilled with it, it must have been quite novel to them and they enjoyed the day immensely.”
In several of the day’s heavyweight events new records were set for the games.
Polish powerhouse Lucas Waunta, who last year set similar standards at the contest, topped his previous record throw of the 22lb heavy stone – 43ft 11in – by hurling it a distance of 44ft 2in.
Mr Wanta, who lives in East Kilbride, also tossed the 16lb shot put furthest – sending it 56ft 11in.
Another distance record was broken by Drumoak competitor Craig Sinclair – who threw the 28lb heavy stone 80ft 7in smashing a past best of 75ft 3in.
