Set to be held alongside biannual Scottish 6-Days event, the two competitions will form the largest orienteering event ever held in the United Kingdom and one of the biggest sporting events held in Scotland this year.

“Together with the Scottish 6-Days, the 2015 World Orienteering Championships will deliver an international festival of world-class orienteering aimed at everyone from elite and club athletes and support teams to enthusiastic spectators, families and visitors keen to soak up the great atmosphere and camaraderie that the sport generates,” said Paul McGreal, event director of the 2015 World Orienteering Championships.

“The areas and arenas we are using for the races are amongst the finest that can be found anywhere in the world, and will provide a challenging test for the best in the world, as well as an exciting and inspirational experience for spectators.

Around 400 of the world’s best orienteers, in addition to 5,300 club members and enthusiasts, are set to compete in both competitions.

Athletes from Cameroon, Egypt, Nepal and Uganda are due to take part in the World Championship for the first time.

They are set to be among 51 different nationalities scheduled to compete in Scotland on some of the most technically and physically demanding terrain the country has to offer, which is expected to provide some closely fought and tactical racing.

By the conclusion of competition, world champions are due to have been crowned in individual team sprint and relay disciplines, as well as in long and middle distance.

In recent years French and Swiss athletes have secured several victories at the World Championships and there could be more gold for them as they boast some of the favourites.

Thierry Gueorgiou is one of the most likely sources of gold for France, having won seven of nine middle distance titles between 2003 and 2011 and is currently ranked fourth in the world

Switzerland’s Daniel Hubmann could prove to be one of Gueorgiou’s biggest rivals having previously won sprint and long distance titles, but will now have his eye on securing the elusive middle distance crown.

British hopes are likely to rest upon Scott Fraser, a silver medallist at the 2013 World Championships, although Kristian Jones and Murray Strain could also prove to be medal contenders in the event.

Several recorded highlights and feature packages will  be produced with BBC Scotland’s Adventure show creating a full-length feature of the blue-riband long race, while BBC Alba will offer live coverage from a number of races.

Margaret Davidson, Leader of The Highland Council, claimed the World Orienteering Championships and Scottish 6-Days are another example of the area being a superb destination for major sporting events.

 “Highland has firmly established itself as a wonderful venue for international events - such as the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and the Scottish Open Golf Championship - with a reputation for high standards, good organisation and excellent courses and facilities,” she said.

“Having these prestigious orienteering events take place in the Highlands, continues this tradition while also providing an incredible opportunity to promote the whole area as a holiday and outdoor activity destination.”

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August 2011: Scotland is awarded the 2015 World Orienteering Championships