On Saturday 5th August, Her Majesty the Queen, paid a surprise visit to the Aboyne Highland Games, to mark its 150th anniversary. A crowd of 9500 were enthralled to see their unexpected royal visitor.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, the Duke of Rothesay and the Lord of the Isles, who is the patron of the Scottish Highland Games Association (S.H.G.A.), visited the Mey Highland Games, in Caithness. As Chieftain of the Games, Prince Charles judged the Tug of War competition and walked around the arena, visiting the numerous trade stands.

Prince Charles is encouraging more schoolchildren to take part in the traditions and cultures of Highland Games, which will bear fruit in the future.