A SCOTTISH Highland games event has been forced to cancel due to torrential rain.

Aberdeen Highland Games was scheduled to take place at Hazlehead Park from 10am to 5.30pm on Sunday, June 16.

Around 10,000 spectators were expected to attend the event to watch the competitions.

The packed programme was to feature Highland dancing, solo and pipe bands and the tug o’war, as well as the heavy and light events.

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However, due to rain being heavier than expected overnight, the grounds and car park are now “unsafe”.

A spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council said: “Unfortunately, due to heavier than forecast rain overnight making the event site and car park unsafe, the Highland Games at Hazlehead Park, due to take place today, has been cancelled.”

 The Grampian Highland Games Association also confirmed the news, stating the park is “water logged”.

Although the forecast for the rest of today is mainly dry, heavy showers were persistent overnight and are forecast to continue over the next couple of days.

Those who had bought tickets for Aberdeen Highland Games will be issued refunds via Eventbrite during the next week.

Family tickets cost £30, adults cost £30 and tickets for children over the age of five were £5.

These also granted access to a variety of trade and charity stalls at Hazlehead Park, which were supposed to show alongside family entertainers.

It is not yet known if the games will be rescheduled.