Global feel to Highland games

This year’s Markinch Highland Games is likely to attract its largest number of overseas visitors.

The event on June 4 is one of only a handful of Highland games included in a yearlong programme to celebrate Scotland’s ancient traditions and history, as part of the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

Markinch was chosen as it stages the oldest pipe band contest in the country, with the top band on the day carrying off the impressive 3ft-high Burgh Shield, which dates back to the early 1920s.

Games secretary Shane Fenton said: “Since the turn of the year I have been answering inquiries from all over the world from people who will be visiting Scotland at the time of the games.

“I put it down to be included on the year’s programme.

“Our games have always been popular but we never class ourselves as being one of the main tourist games so it’s been a bit of a boost for us.”

He added: “People have been asking about the pipe band contest and one even asked what time do they throw the big wooden branch (caber).”

Adding to the international flavour, Bob Fenwick, the mayor of Markinch in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, named after settlers from the Fife town will visit this year’s games.

He will be bringing goods from Canada to give out as prizes.