As 10 000 spectators made for Aviemore for the 2025 Thunder In The Glens last weekend, it was a special occasion for two septuagenarian Harley Davidson riders.

Aberdeenshire couple Fred and June Henderson, both 70, have been attending the rally since its infancy, staying each year bar one at a major event hub - the Cairngorm Hotel (pic above shows them at the 1997 'Thunder').

This year’s event marked over 25 years of ‘Thunder’ for the pair, who were also volunteering as part of the organising Dunedin Chapter.

They missed out on one show, only because they were proudly carrying the Scottish flag at the Harley 100^thanniversary parade in Milwaukee.

A remarkable evolution

Over the years, they have seen one of the world’s biggest Harley Davidson owners’ rallies evolve and grow and were delighted to sample another before 'Thunder' officially takes a break in 2026.

“We went to our first event back in 1997, staying at the now demolished Red MacGregor Hotel,” recalls Fred. “It’s such a special event and so good for the area.”

“Ever since that we’ve stayed at the Cairngorm Hotel, which has been a great supporter. We know the staff personally. That is why we keep coming back to Thunder In the Glens, for us it is about the people,” added June.

“We have made a lot of friends through it; some of whom we only see once a year at Thunder.”

A highlight for visitors who throng to see the colourful collection of Harley Davidsons and modified bikes, is the spectacle of the mass ride-out which traditionally takes place at mid-day on the Saturday.

However, there are an array of attractions.

“The atmosphere is great. There is a lot of live music. The public obviously enjoy the mass ride-out but there are other things happening that are organised by chapters  (Harley Davidson clubs) over the three days that maybe the public don’t see,” said Fred.

“Our own chapter, Dunedin, were the organisers. We have over 400 members from all over Scotland and Europe as well.”

Live music and entertainment was served up for ‘Thunder’ attendees at the Cairngorm Hotel over the 4 days, with a barbecue available each day.

There was a beer garden bar and new acts such as Bruach and Clarinish along with ‘Thunder’ favourites such as Sons of the Soil, Davy Holt and Spud The Piper, who piped out the event on Sunday evening.

“We were proud to continue our long-running support of Thunder In the Glens, which is a major draw for Aviemore. We had lots of music and entertainment over the weekend and it was great to see Fred and June and all the riders who took part,” said Craig Docherty, General Manager, Cairngorm Hotel.

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