Town gets ready to host 34th Highland games bonanza

St Andrews is gearing up to host its 34th Highland games tomorrow.

Hundreds of visitors, including scores from overseas, are expected to descend on Station Park in front of the Old Course Hotel to watch a mix of traditional and new events.

The action starts at 11am with the Highland dancing competitions and the City of St Andrews Pipe Band will herald the official opening at 12.30pm, signalling the way for light and heavy athletics plus tug o’ war competitions throughout the afternoon.

A range of family entertainment will also run.

Secretary Ian Grieve said organisers had received a healthy number of entrants this year.

“Normally the Callander games are held on the same day as us but we don’t clash with anything this year so we’re looking at quite a big entry, particularly in the heavy events,” he said,

“We have top class runners coming as well and quite a big dancing entry.”

He added: “We get a good mix of visitors, including a lot of overseas visitor who love the Highland games.”

Among the highlights will be distance runner Luke Traynor from Giffnock, who will return to St Andrews in the hope of retaining the trophy he picked up last year.

Local athlete Robert Sparks will also be looking to build on his success at his debut games in Ceres last month.

Admission prices have been held at £7 for adults and £4 for concessions this year and tickets can be bought at the gate.

Entry for children under the age of five is free.