At around 9,000, numbers through the gates at Bellabeg Park, Strathdon, were slightly down on last year, but those who did attend had an entertainment-packed day.

And despite comedian and Strathdon resident Billy Connolly's absence due to filming in the Arctic, his wife Pamela Stephenson kept tradition alive by attending with a group of female friends, including celebrities Ulrika Jonsson, Anneka Rice and June Sarpong.

While people made their way from cars and buses towards the games field, the skirl of the pipes could be heard as band members and solo pipers warmed up for the day's events.

Following the Lonach Highlanders' lunch in the Lonach Hall, the clansmen assembled and made their way to open the Highland Games at 1pm.

With the March of the Clansmen (the only one of its kind worldwide) the main attraction, people were not left disappointed as the Men of Lonach, attired in full Highland dress armed with pikes and Lochaber battle-axes, led by Lonach Patron Sir James Forbes, 8th Bt Newe, marched around the arena, having already accomplished a long march taken early in the morning round the homes of local proprietors.

Ringside seats were sold-out as visitors all vied for the best position to watch this unique spectacle and clapped and cheered them on their way.

With more than £8,500 in prize money in total up for grabs, competitions in the main ring proved very popular. Highland dancing, piping, light athletics, children's races, tossing the caber, putting the stone and throwing the hammer all attracted large crowds of spectators.

And those feeling especially energetic pulled on their trainers and tackled the gruelling hill race.

During the light athletics events, spectators cheered on Lossiemouth man Andy MacDonald, as he set new records in the high jump, at 6ft 6.25in; and in the long jump, at 22ft, 6.5in.

Pipe bands including Ballater & District, Towie & District and Lonach, entertained visitors throughout the day and solo pipers battled it out to bag a trophy and prize money for their efforts.

Youngsters were not forgotten, however, with amusements, games and rides a-plenty to keep them amused and refreshments and snacks in abundance.

And those who didn't manage to bag a ringside seat made themselves at home on one of the many picnic rugs littered around the games field and laid back in the sunshine.

The stalls, charity stands and vendors of everything from whisky to woollens and sporrans to shortbread also did a roaring trade as the thousands who attended browsed what was on offer.

As the day drew to a close and visitors made their way back home, organisers were toasting another successful event before starting to think about next year's Lonach.