Creatures of the world’s oceans – both real and mythical – are making a splash in an Aberdeenshire village almost 60 miles from the shore.
Knitted lobsters, clown fish, squid and even mermaids are among those scattered around Braemar as the Deeside Knitwits annual installation returns to the community.
The Invercuald Road bridge in the village has been transformed into a colourful marine seascape for the Braemar Creative Arts Festival fringe event.
The two-week annual installation will culminate in the Braemarket next Sunday, where the wares will be sold on to raise cash for local causes.
It is hoped hundreds of pounds can be raised for Care in the Community, a project aimed at lending a helping hand to Braemar’s most vulnerable residents.
Proceeds will also go towards creating a nature trial around the rural village.
The knitwork on the bridge is a shoal of fish swimming across the structure, and was made with the contributions of more than 40 people.
Also on show elsewhere is a mermaid on a rock, a giant octopus, a Finding Nemo and separate Finding Dory trial.
Last night Rosy Wood, co-ordinator of the Deeside Knitwits, said this year’s “From Mountain to Sea” theme for the project – inspired by Aberdeenshire Council’s tagline – made sense following the Storm Frank floods which hit the village and wider Deeside last winter.
She added more non-knitters than ever had become involved, with buckets full of wool, pins and instructions left in various locations across Braemar for anyone to use.
The resulting “squares” were then used to form the tentacles of the giant octopus, which is sitting outside coffee shop, Taste.
Mrs Wood said: “Each year I think how can I involve more people? Particularity people who don’t knit much?
“Where it got the most knitting done was in the doctor’s surgery and the Invercauld Hotel.
“Somebody suggested fish this year mainly because of Finding Dory, then when the floods came on it seemed like bringing the sea up to the mountains was almost where we got to.
“I was driving into Aberdeen and spotted the Aberdeenshire Council roads sign, that is where I got the “mountain to sea” thing.
“You just go with what ever appears. You never know what is coming through the door.
“It looks great. There are various fishes hidden around the village. It is great for families coming up.”
The installation will be in place until Saturday.