Poignant memories mixed with friendship as fundraisers walked through the night to raise £125,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Kirriemuir Relay for Life was a chance to remember those who have lost their lives to cancer and to celebrate the lives of those who have survived.
The call for people to take part at the Kirrie Show Ground saw 38 teams sign up a response described as phenomenal by organisers.
The Relay for Life started at noon on Saturday and, for the next 24 hours, every team kept at least one member on the track.
Local people who have had cancer, are going through the cancer journey or have supported a family member with cancer, opened the event by walking the first lap, followed by members of the 39 teams who signed up for Kirriemuir Relay.
Friends, families and workmates enjoyed live music, fun and games as they tackled the relay route until noon on Sunday.
Walkers stood still as dusk fell on Saturday evening for a moving Candle of Hope ceremony, in which participants lit candles in memory of loved ones lost to the disease or in celebration of those who have survived.
The ceremony included readings, songs and, at the end, the chance for everyone to walk round the track following piper Andrew Clark from Kirriemuir, who dashed back from the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow to attend.
It was a special, if very poignant, part of the Relay for Life weekend, especially as cancer touches the lives of so many families.
After the final lap, Rhona Guild, volunteer secretary of Kirriemuir Relay for Life, said: “Yet again, the response from the people of Kirriemuir and the surrounding area to Kirriemuir Relay for Life has been incredible.
“Thirty-nine teams signed up for Relay for Life 2011, with 550 people participating, and over £125,000 raised for Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer that has already helped save millions of lives.
“As always, the opening lap, the Survivors’ Lap of Honour, was very emotional, especially when all the teams applauded as the survivors went by. Everyone entered completely into the spirit of the event, with all the team members having fun, and many of them walking round the track in fancy dress.
“After 24 hours of walking, everyone was tired but happy and seeing everyone on the track for the very last lap highlighted just how momentous an occasion this event had been.”
A full programme of entertainment on both days kept spirits high, including performances by local musical theatre group STARS, Webster’s High School drama group, Showcase The Street, local bands from DD8, including We are the Support Act and Sonnet 65; children’s races and treasure hunt; a balloon race; fancy dress tug of war; Highland dancing, Zumba, belly dancing, martial art and body combat demonstrations; cupcake making; and Kirrie’s Got Talent.
The new venue enabled more teams to take part, as it was possible to lay out a longer track, as well as enabling more tents to be erected for people to rest and sleep when they were not on the track.
Keith Hopkins, volunteer chairman of Kirriemuir Relay for Life, said: “It’s fantastic how the people of Kirriemuir always come together for the Relay for Life and are so extremely generous with their time, money and enthusiasm.
“Here’s to the next Kirriemuir Relay for Life.”