The Highland Games season got off with a bang in Moray at the weekend when over 10,000 people turned out on the grounds of Gordon Castle.
Highland games at the Fochabers site was only reintroduced three years ago but has rapidly grown in popularity and is now firmly established on the Moray events calendar.
As well as the games themselves the event brought together the best that Moray can offer in local produce and crafts and that helped draw in thousands from far and wide.
One of the key event winners on the field was Paul Murdoch, who took the 10k men’s race while Louse Cartmel won the ladies event.
Events and business manager at the Gordon Castle estate, Ros Lewis, said: “It was a great day and the weather was very kind to us as well. The numbers were up on last year – we think it was about 10,000 this year but we’ll have the exact numbers if a few weeks time.”
Both Moray’s MP and MSP attended the games with Angus Robertson MP commenting: “Gordon Castle Highland Games continues to grow year on year since it was re-established three years ago.
“This year it was great to see more arenas opened up and big crowds out to support it. It is already a firm favourite with locals and visitors and kicks off what will undoubtedly be another great season of Highland Games here in Moray and further afield.”
Richard Lochhead MSP added: “The breadth of talent competing at our Highland Games is fantastic, as is the huge range of local produce and crafts that are on display at events like the Gordon Castle Games.
“The Highland Games season brings some great family events to our doorstep and I highly recommend them for a great day out.
“Well done to the organisers of the Gordon Castle Games for putting on a great show and to everyone who took part whether as competitors, exhibitors or the thousands who visited.”