Heavy and persistent rain over the past 36 hours has led to the cancellation of Aberdeen's Highland Games.

The games were due to take place on Sunday June 19 in the city's Hazlehead Park - but the park is waterlogged, with more rain forecast over the week.

Aberdeen City Council made the decision to cancel the popular annual event following an inspection of the site on Wednesday.

The council decided that even if the rain stops ahead of the event, the ground will not be suitable to host it.

Around 10,000 people were expected to attend the Aberdeen games, which are a part of the Grampian Games circuit.

A spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council said: "Unfortunately, due to the heavy and persistent rainfall we have had to take the decision to cancel this year's Highland Games

"Although disappointed, we hope that everyone who had planned to visit and indeed those who had expected to participate in Aberdeen's Highland Games this weekend will appreciate that we have not taken this decision lightly.

"The area where the Games will be held and the free car park facilities which we were to provide are currently flooded and it is likely that the conditions will deteriorate further by Sunday.

"The Games are always very popular with citizens and visitors to the city who travel a considerable distance to enjoy the day-long event.

"We also know a lot of children will be disappointed especially as this year's Games were due to be held on Father's Day."

The Highland Games' calendar for the region is already set for 2016, meaning the Aberdeen games cannot be rescheduled.

Those who have purchased tickets for the event from Eventbrite will be refunded, provided they can provide proof of purchase.