Today was the annual St Andrews Day parade in our town, where all the children's groups and organisations march from the academy to the town square ahead of the Christmas lights switch on.

My oldest two marched with the swim club this year (it's hard to choose when you are part of a few groups!) and introduced a slightly inappropriate semi-political tone to the whole proceedings with their constant chanting of "8 lanes for Inverurie'".

We met up with the Americans for their first Inverurie parade and firework experience, watched the impressive show which was fired from the town hall roof and scored enough free lollipops from the craft and club stalls around town for us all and our pal snuz.