All police leave has been cancelled in the north as the Olympic flame begins a three-day tour of the Highlands and Islands tomorrow, at the same time as tens of thousands will also be travelling to three other major events in the area.
The torch relay will head up Loch Lomond, then through Glencoe to Fort William and on to Inverness by way of Loch Ness.
However, around 10,000 people are expected in the Fort William area for the World Mountain Bike Championship at Nevis Range ski slopes. Meanwhile 35,000 will be passing through Inverness on their way to the RockNess festival at Dores at the north eastern end of Loch Ness.
It is anticipated that another 8000 will head north to see the international ladies golf competition, the Curtis Cup, at Nairn, with the US team taking on one from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
When the Olympic flame arrives in Inverness just before 7pm there is to be a two-hour celebration in the Highland Capital's Northern Meeting Park. It will feature award-winning Scots singer Emeli Sande with another 10,000 revellers expected.
Chief Inspector Colin Gough, commander of Northern Constabulary's Operational Support Services unit said Saturday would be the most demanding day he was likely to face in his job.
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