Preparations are already underway for next summer's forthcoming Highland Games in Aberdeen.

The annual event takes place in Hazlehead Park in June and offers a host of events for spectators to watch, spanning traditional sports, dance and music such as pipe bands.

Among the most popular activities will be the revered and gruelling "heavy" events, including the iconic caber-tossing ritual as well as hammer-hurling and shot-putting.

And while the format and rules of the games have largely remained unchanged over hundreds of years of sporting history, Aberdeen's Highland's Games have nonetheless expanded in recent years.

The annual event now draws in a number of international competitors, including many from New Zealand - where Scottish emigrants have kept their heritage alive by hosting similar events each year.

Ticket prices have yet to be confirmed, but the Games will be an all-day event and will have a range of family-friendly facilities on hand for visitors with small children.