Monty Python fans from all over the world are preparing to make a pilgrimage to Doune Castle this week for the 35th anniversary of cult comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Fans of the movie, based of the legend of King Arthur, have been visiting Doune Castle since it was filmed there.

It is estimated they account for around a third of the 25,000 annual visitors to the 14th century stronghold, which is now open as a visitor attraction.

Historic Scotland will organise the 'First Farewell Monty Python Day' on Sunday 12 September. The event will be the latest special event staged at Doune Castle for Python fans since the first in 2004.

Events manager Nick Finnigan said: "For this year's Python day, we're returning to the less structured, more spontaneous format of our early events, and of course, loads of fun and games.

“We've got some of the most popular comic sketches being recreated, prizes for the best costumes, a trail - 'Monty Python and the Holy Trail' - highlighting the various filming locations of scenes from the film, a quiz with prizes, singing, and of course, lots of coconut shells!"

Coconut shells have been a fixture at Doune since the Holy Grail film became a cult hit. Visitors use them to mimic horses' hooves, just as King Arthur (Graham Chapman) and his faithful servant, Patsy (Terry Gilliam) did in the film's opening scene.

The Monty Python event on 12th September takes place from 4pm to 7pm and is priced at £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and £6 for children.