Organisers had put together an event that promised to be bigger and better than ever - but the stormy weather left them with little alternative but to call a halt before things got going in earnest.

Isobel Sword of Letham Feuars Committee explained that the villagers could just about have coped with the heavy rain, but, when gazebos started flying around in the strong winds, a decision to cancel had to be made on safety grounds.

"Most people had some sort of shelter from the rain, but the wind was causing the most problems," added Isobel.

"It was a shame, for we had a real variety of entertainment to complement the stalls this year - everything from Highland dancers and pipers to a Punch and Judy Show."

The Victorian Market wasn't a complete non-event, however, for a lot of people bought from the spit roast pig stand, while some of the other stalls and activities continued in the village hall.

It was the first time in 22 years that the market has had to be cancelled.

"To think we had such wonderful weather prior to the event and it was beautiful again on Monday," concluded Isobel.

Readers may recall that another summer event, the annual Kirrie Show, suffered a similar fate last year, when an exceptionally heavy downpour overnight on Friday into Saturday morning resulted in a waterlogged showground.