The fearsome kilted mascot hoping to lead Perth into the record books has finally been named.
After a cry went out to find the dreadlocked warrior a moniker, children from across the area responded in droves.
Now, following careful deliberation by judges, the face of the Perth Kilt Run has officially been dubbed Hairy MacKilty.
More than 100 youngsters entered the competition but it was Fergus and Jenna MacLennan who really hit the mark, inspired by his wild hair and traditional Scottish garb.
Provost of Perth and Kinross, Elizabeth Grant, said: “We wanted a name which would be unique and of all the great names put forward, Hairy MacKilty suited our kilted warrior best.”
The brother and sister pair from Comrie will now enjoy a visit from the hairy Highlander, as well as being given the opportunity to blow the starter’s whistle on a special mascot’s race on August 10.
Fergus and Jenna will also get six months Active Energy and Active Fun Club membership from Live Active Leisure.
Meanwhile, Hairy MacKilty faces a tough job smashing the Guinness World Record for biggest kilt run. Last year, the people of Perth in Ontario, Canada hosted their annual attempt, which saw a total of 1,764 runners cross the line.
Although this has yet to be verified, the Scottish organisers have set an even more ambitious target.
Provost Grant added: “We’re even more determined to secure the kilt race world record for Scotland and reach our target of 2,000 kilted runners.
“I would encourage all those who want to help achieve our aim to sign up to run now.”
This is the second time the Fair City has taken part in the event and last year were tantalisingly within reach of the record. Perth missed out on the title by just 19 participants, having marshalled an incredible 1,070 runners.
The kilt run was part of the largest Diamond Jubilee celebrations north of the border, which brought almost 25,000 people to Perth, helped by a massed turnout of more than 1,000 pipers.
As well as being a good time for businesses, the charities supported by the run also reaped the benefits.
More than £10,000 was raised for its two nominated charities, Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
They will remain the official partners for the event this year and those taking part can raise money on behalf of either organisations.
To ensure a similar festival atmosphere as last year, the 2013 kilt run has been organised to coincide with Perth Highland Games, to make it the busiest weekend of the year for the city. Some changes have also been made to the format of the event, which will now cover a shorter 5km distance along the North Inch.
It is hoped this will encourage people of all ages to take part and the winner of the Canadian counterpart will also be helping to make the event a success, as a trip to Scotland was the grand prize of the Ontario contest, held earlier this month.
To register, or for further information on the event, including how to run in a kilt, go online to www.perthkiltrun.co.uk.
Participants are advised that, to satisfy the criteria for the world record, all runners must wear a kilt that is plaid, is knee length and has two buckles.