ENJOYING A WEE DRAM AT A FAVOURITE EVENT THE KING LIVING THE HIGHLAND LIFE AS HE DRESSES THE PART FOR MEY GAMES

Braving the rain as he kicked off his summer break, the King looked to be having a whale of a time as he attended the Mey Highland Games, an annual highlight in the royal family's calendar north of the border.

- SOPHIE HAMILTON

The event, which traditionally takes place in Caithness on the north coast of Scotland on the first Saturday in August, features competitions including running, tug of war, Highland dancing and bagpipe playing.

His Majesty became chieftain of the games in 2002, taking over from the Queen Mother. The Games were first held in 1970 to commemorate her 70th birthday, and she enjoyed the day so much that she encouraged organisers to make it an annual event.

Arriving at the John O'Groats showground, the monarch was dressed for the occasion in a kilt, with a tan coat and a pair of knee-high socks helping guard against the cold.