A north-west Sutherland village gala will make a welcome return this weekend after a two year hiatus due to Covid.

Scourie Gala have announced a brimming calendar of events and a family 'fun day' for locals and holidaymakers, albeit on a "smaller scale" than past years.

Gala secretary Aileen MacDonald said: "This year's gala will be a smaller scale event after a two year absence due to Covid. We are a small committee, so we want to ease ourselves back into it gently.

"Visitors are encouraged to come along to enjoy the opportunity to socialise after two long years of no events in the village."

Festivities will begin with a pub quiz planned this evening at the Anchorage cafe bar.

A fun day of several events will follow on Saturday, beginning with a raft race across Scourie bay at 2.30pm.

Entrants' home-made rafts will launch from Scourie Pier, racing across the bay to the beach in a bid to win a cash prize.

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The race will be followed by a tractor show, dog show and a children's fancy dress competition at the football field. Children's creative outfit choices will be judged in five age categories from new born to high school age.

The family fun day will also feature a barbecue, bouncy castle, craft stalls and a tug o' war.

Then on Sunday from 2pm, gala goers will gather to take part in the annual 'duck race' at Scourie Burn. Numbered ducks have been on sale locally over the past few weeks and those wishing to take part are encouraged to grab one while they can.

Ms MacDonald reserved praise for those who have helped make this year's event possible.

She said: "We could not have planned these events without the support the local businesses who have supported us with donations for the raffle and those who have helped with our running costs. We are very grateful to them all."

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