Two of Badenoch and Strathspey's biggest events taking place this weekend
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Two of Badenoch and Strathspey's biggest events will be taking place this weekend as the return to normality after Covid-19 continues to pick up pace.
Nearly 1000 people are expected to take part in the Aviemore Half Marathon and 10K over the weekend based at Badaguish Outdoor Centre and the World Porridge Championships will bring an international flavour to Carrbridge.
The battle for the Golden Spurtle returns in person at the village hall, as competitors compete to make the world's best porridge.
A spokeswoman for the event said: "The 'oaterly' spectacular day kicks off with the porridge procession led by the Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band at 9.45am before a toast to the porridge and the competition getting under way.
"Competitors will stir it out over five heats with the grand final seeing the winner crowd. Visitors are warmly welcomed by the whisky tasting that goes on all day and the opportunity to taste all the porridge.
"There is a super vendor marquee and of course the all-important porridge merchandise.
"We cannot wait to see you, entry is free although donations are taken on the door and it will be great fun for all the family."
There will be whisky and gin tasting with other stalls in the pop up marquee all day.
The porridge champs were held online the past two years because of the Covid pandemic.
The rough timings for proceedings are as follows: 9.45am Porridge Pipe Procession; 10.30am five cooking heats start; 12.30pm Spurtle Stories and singing; 2.45pm auction and raffle; 3.30pm grand final cook off; 4.15pm: judging and prize-giving.
Meanwhile the Speyside Trust is getting ready to welcome more than 900 runners to Badaguish by Glenmore this weekend. It is the second time the event has been held since the end of the Covid lockdown.
Saturday sees the Aviemore Half Marathon, and on Sunday the 10K Fun Run For All will be taking place.
Both races begin at 11am and follow trails through the surrounding forest.
An event village will be open at Badaguish where runners and spectators can enjoy a variety of food and beverages from Speyside Kitchen.
Ellis Brigham, principal sponsor, will also be on site with a pop-up shop.
Ian Jones, director with the Speyside Trust, said: “Now all we need is for the weather to be in our favour!”
