All the best pictures from the Aberdeen Glee Challenge regional final
A champion school was crowned as Aberdeen's Glee Challenge regional final took place at the Music Hall last night.
The winners from the previous rounds came together for one final performance to decide who would be crowned the city's best..
There have been some fantastic performances from all of the schools involved across the heats.
But after a hotly-contested competition, those primary schools taking part in the final were Skene, Ashley Road, Fernielea, Elrick, and Seafield.
The big winner, after a night of 'Scottish contemporary pop and rock' ended up being the youngsters of Fernielea.
They will now go forward for the National Final, which will take place on June 22 at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.
The competition is organised by the Frisson Foundation, which works to encourage primary school kids to get involved with music and the arts.
Our photographer Darrell Benns was there to capture all the action from the regional final.
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The National
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Daily Mirror
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We've come to the Atholl Gathering, one of Scotland's most historic Highland Games, for a celebration of tradition, spectacle, and family fun. Blair Castle rises white and proud against the Perthshire hills, and its grounds are alive with kilts, cabers, and cannon fire. As a family with roots in Scotland but years spent elsewhere, we've always clung tightly to our heritage – none more so than on days like this. There's something deeply satisfying about being surrounded by tartan, cheering on pipers, and watching kilted competitors hurl logs in front of a castle. And with sunshine, cold rain, blustery wind and the promise of burgers, bouncy castles and a Highlander's dash, the day promised a classic 'four seasons in one day' Scottish adventure. We'd never been before, but its reputation as one of the more iconic Games intrigued us, especially since it's the only one in Scotland to feature a private army legally sanctioned by the monarch – the Atholl Highlanders, a ceremonial regiment that still marches under the command of the Duke of Atholl. The Gathering takes place on the beautiful Atholl Estates, stretching across some 145,000 acres of forests, rivers, and mountains. Blair Castle itself, all white turrets and baronial flair, has stood since the 13th century, and was once visited by Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. This place breathes history, and the Atholl Gathering honours it in a way that's very much alive. We arrived on a sunny-but-showery Sunday as he car queue wound its way through tree-lined lanes toward the castle. Once parked, the familiar scent of fried onions hit us: a sure sign the fairground was nearby. Our daughter Lily, eagle-eyed for anything inflatable, immediately clocked the bouncy castle. But first: the arena. A large flat expanse with a gently sloping hill to one side gave everyone a perfect view, and the white glimmer of Blair Castle peeked through the trees. Bagpipes filled the air as solo pipers competed nearby – one of many ongoing contests throughout the day. Having missed out on lunch from the Seafood Bothy (note to self: bring cash next year), we grabbed burgers and fries. Lily devoured her cheeseburger with gusto before dragging us, finally, to the fairground – bouncy castle, inflatable slide, and carousel were all tested thoroughly. One of the day's most impressive spectacles was the opening ceremony, marked by the firing of a cannon by the Atholl Highlanders. Lily, having confidently claimed she wouldn't jump at the bang, did – of course – jump. Then came the massed pipes and drums, marching in formation, a stirring, goosebump-inducing moment. 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After missing the starting gun (chatting to a steward in a kilt – understandable distraction), I joined the race, overtaken by 30-somethings as I gasped my way to the finish. But I crossed it – proudly, breathlessly – earning Lily's applause and a valuable parenting win: showing up and joining in. Between the races, we stopped for coffee and churros, watched the Highland dancers on a nearby stage, and later, sought out our own little patch of grass for our own family races so Lily could win (every time). Before heading home, we wandered up to the Hercules Garden, a beautifully restored 18th-century walled garden with ornamental bridges, lily ponds, and classical statues. Once abandoned, it was brought back to life in the 20th century. As we explored, Lupins in full bloom, Lily – still riding high on our foraging tour from a previous visit – tried to eat every plant she could reach. We gently suggested otherwise. Back in the arena, the caber toss was in full swing – massive tree trunks hoisted and hurled with skill and strength. One competitor's failed toss prompted Lily's sage analysis: 'He hasn't been eating enough salad.' Her logic? 'Salad makes you strong.' She eats her salad, so it must be true. As the final rain of the day soaked us through, we bundled into the car, wet clothes discarded, heat blasting, and hearts full. The Atholl Gathering had delivered everything: history, hilarity, community, and a deep sense of connection – not just to Scotland, but to something older, prouder, and enduring. If you've never been, go. Bring your waterproofs. And bring cash. Burntisland Highland Games – Monday, July 21 Burntisland Links, Fife Recognised as the second oldest Highland Games in the world, Burntisland's event combines traditional athletic contests with modern attractions. Visitors can witness heavyweight events, Highland dancing, and solo piping, all set against a scenic coastal backdrop. Crieff Highland Gathering – Sunday, August 17 Market Park, Crieff Known as Scotland's leading Highland Games, this gathering offers a comprehensive program of events. From heavyweight competitions and Highland dancing to cycling races and massed pipe bands, the day culminates in the stirring Salute to the Chieftain Strathmore Highland Games – Sunday, June 8 Glamis Castle, Angus Set against the majestic backdrop of Glamis Castle,attendees can enjoy traditional heavy events, Highland dancing, and piping competitions, all within the castle's historic grounds. Pitlochry Highland Games – Saturday, September 13 Recreation Ground, Pitlochry Concluding the Highland Games season, Pitlochry's event is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic location. The day includes traditional athletic events, Highland dancing, piping competitions, and a grand parade of pipe bands.
