Youngsters in the Forres area are to be given an introduction to many of the events that make up a Highland Games gathering.

Activities for children in P4 to S1 will take place in parks around the town next week in the lead-up to the annual Forres Highland Games.

The programme of events has been arranged by Moray Council’s Forres-based Active Schools co-ordinator Rosalyn Carruthers and local community warden Margaret Cowie.

As well as familiar activities such as caber tossing, tug-of-war, welly throwing and haggis hurling, the programme will also include Nessie leaping and balancing the sporran.

Wellies and cabers have been decorated especially for the occasion by members of the Forres House Community Centre out-of-school club.

Activities will take place from 10am to noon at Roysvale on Tuesday, Pilmuir on Wednesday and Mannachie on Thursday, with a grand finale at Grant Park on Friday.

"We decided to offer these events at different locations around the town so that children can walk there and play in a familiar environment," said Mrs Cowie.

"We felt it was a good way to introduce the Highland Games concept to a younger audience and we hope that the finale on the Friday will be well attended by parents and other supporters to give it a real ‘big event’ feel."

Places are still available and cost £1 per event. Parental consent forms can be picked up and returned to reception at Forres House or completed on the day. Participants can join in the fun at any or all of the venues.