THE Dundonald Highland Games week kicked off in style on Saturday, with medieval themed fun for youngsters.

Friends of Dundonald Castle hosted a fun and interactive event for all our young history enthusiasts.

They could take part in dress-up, mini jousting, medieval medicine-making, Roman and Medieval artefact handling, short castle tours, and lots more.

Many families enjoyed a picnic during the fun packed event.

It was a great start to what promises to be a brilliant week in Dundonald. culminating in the Games themselves on Saturday.

The festivities begin at 11.30am with the Children’s Fancy Dress competition at the Montgomerie Hall followed by the Street Procession through the centre of the village to the Playing Fields.

At 12.30pm, during the Opening Ceremony watch the coronation of the Games Queen and the Chieftain’s Address.

Throughout the day the Piping Arena is home to the RSPBA Pipe Band and Drum Major contests where highly skilled local, regional and international bands compete from Grades 1 to 4.

Elsewhere, the Solo Piping and RSOBHD Highland Dancing stages will showcase some of the finest Scottish and global talent. The Events Arena will provide a range of alternative entertainment including our burly Scots competing at the Heavy Events. Royal Dundonald Castle and the Visitor Centre is open all day and the castle will also provide a magnificent background for the Solo Lament during the Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony.

The ever popular Open Events competition is free for members of the public to join in a variety of fun games and activities. Then watch the locals battle it out during the Tug-o-war and marvel in awe as the Massed Pipe Bands Parade marches through the village from the War Memorial.