The organisers will be praying for a repeat of the 10,000 visitors who turned up last year for the event, held at the beautiful Donside village of Strathdon.

The day's events will commence with the traditional March of the Clansmen at 8am from the village of Bellabeg.

The Men of Lonach, lead by the Lonach Pipe Band, visit the main local households in the area, claiming a wee dram of whisky at each stop, en route to the games field in Strathdon.

The march includes a visit to Candacraig House where comedian Billy Connolly and his wife Pamela Stephenson live, although Strathdon's most famous resident is unable to attend this year's event due to work commitments.

It is well worth making the trip to Strathdon to see the unique sight of the Men of Lonach march in full Highland dress, armed with pikes and Lochaber battleaxes, in the only procession of its kind in the world.

George Thomson, secretary of the Lonach Games, said: "The highlight of the games has to be the unique march of the Lonach Highlanders. They will be making six stops along the way where they will get their traditional dram of whisky to keep their spirits up."

George added: "Last year we had about 10,000 people at the Games. If we get that kind of number again we would be very happy. Last year we were one of the few Highland Games that enjoyed decent weather for the event on the day so hopefully it will be the same again this year."
The games will commence at 12noon with a full programme of competitions in Highland dancing, piping, light athletics, children's races, tossing the caber, putting the stone, throwing the hammer and more. There is over £8,500 of prize money on offer at the event as an added incentive to competitors.

The much-anticipated march of the Lonach Highlanders around the games field is expected to be at 1pm.

The event takes place at Bellabeg Park, Strathdon and admission to the field is £5 for adults and £1 for children. Car parking is free.