In Pictures: Heave, ho and away they go at Braemar Gathering

A person competes in weight tossing category during the Braemar Gathering highland games (Aaron Chown/PA) - (PA Wire)

One of the world’s most famous Highland Games has been held in Aberdeenshire, attracting members of the royal family and international spectators.

Held close to the royal Highland residence, Balmoral, the Braemar Gathering takes place each year on the first Saturday in September.

The King and Queen were welcomed to the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, a short distance from the royals’ summer retreat at the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Charles wore a kilt and tweed jacket and waistcoat (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Camilla was presented with a bouquet by a highland dancer (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

The parade of pipe bands started the event (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Children watch as a girl competes in the sword dance event (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Another event for the children is the traditional sack race (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

The popular event has been running in its present form since 1832 and has been attended regularly by the reigning monarch and other members of the royal family since 1848.

It features a host of traditional Highland Games contests, including tug-of-war and the caber toss, along with performances from pipe bands and Highland dancers.

A person competes in the weight tossing category (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Caber tossing is another popular tradition at the Highland Games (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Tug of War competitors watch their opponents (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Musicians of all ages take part in the band performances (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Familiar sports such as long jump are also on the schedule (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

The popular event has been running in its present form since 1832 (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

The event is held each year at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)