Forres cashed in on the piping pound at the weekend as the town received another boost of more than £1million.
Thousands of spectators descended on Moray for the European Pipe Band Championships in Grant Park.
Competitors ventured from all across the world to book up accommodation in the town, and tourists tucked into burgers on the banks of the park while children relished a variety of ice creams in the sun.
Last year, the event brought £1.3million to companies based within 30 miles of Forres with a similar total expected again this year.
Businesses in the town are set to benefit from the piping boost until at least 2018 with the event bring staged in the community for a minimum of another two years.
Forres councillor George Alexander was delighted at the sight of queues outside restaurants while pubs were also kept busy over the weekend.
He said: “It isn’t only Forres that benefits. As a town, it is very poorly provided in the amount of accommodation it has. There were pipe bands staying in Nairn, Grantown and Elgin.
“There are benefits to the wider area from a very popular event. The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is never short of compliments for the way it is run.”
Trade stands from across the country again booked pitches at Grant Park to benefit from the colourful pageant.
Every year, the money generated for the area supports the equivalent of 25 full-time jobs, or 5,500 working days. Information from spectators, competitors, traders and volunteers all contribute to the total.
Moray MP Angus Robertson added: “This has rapidly become a must-see event in the north of Scotland’s summer calendar, attracting visitors and locals alike in their droves to the town.
“It’s great for Forres, great for culture and great for our local economy.”
Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, hailed the support he received from the community as the biggest he has witnessed across 90 events.
