Thousands braved rain and huddled in hail-lashed tents before the sun eventually shone on a May Day celebration in the north-east yesterday.
The Turriff gathering has run for more than 30 years as a way of marking the bank holiday, and entices visitors from across Aberdeenshire and further afield into the town.
With the centre closed off to traffic, people explored the many stalls on offer, hopping from tent to gazebo to shop to avoid the inclement weather earlier in the day.
But as the hours passed and the skies brightened, more people took to the streets to enjoy attractions like a mechanical trampoline.
They also took the opportunity to speak to local Young Farmers groups, politicians and community groups.
And the special guest, who took on a short stint conducting the Turriff Silver Band was Aberdeen FC mascot Angus the Bull – who also posed for pictures with families enjoying the day.
Organiser Dolina Mackenzie was among those who had her picture taken alongside the furry football mascot.
She said: “He’s been a great special guest – people were trying to guess who it could be this year and they seem really pleased.
“After the hailstones, the skies turned to blue and it was a beautiful afternoon.
“Because of the cold morning it was not been as busy as it usually is, but people were still pouring in as the afternoon went on.
“The bad weather was quite good for the shops as people were popping in to dodge the rain.
“We’ve a few new stalls this year that have never been before.
“One featured a guy from Aberdeen who has a mobile gaming tent with virtual headsets and different games, so hopefully we’re appealing to the teenagers with that.
“There’s also the bumper cars, which have been a raring success.
“There’s been thousands here so May Day definitely has a bright future.”
Highland dancers and the local pipe band entertained the crowds throughout the day, performing and parading past the famous Turra Coo statue.
Chairman of Turriff and District Community Council, Mike Rawlins, congratulated the organisers.
He said: “Once again, Turriff Business Association has organised a great May Day event which has been well supported by the public.
“The weather has been a little unkind this year, but it wouldn’t be May Day without all four seasons making an appearance.”
