Markinch kicks off Fife highland games schedule

Visitors come from far and wide for event in John Dixon Park

The sun shone as Fife’s first Highland games of 2017 brought the skirl of pipes and the beating of drums.

Crowds filled John Dixon Park for Markinch Highland Games, which includes Scotland’s oldest pipe band contest.

The popular event included a full programme of traditional competitions, including track and field athletics, heavy events, cycling, Highland dancing, piping and a drum major contest.

There was also a series of fun races for children and adults, funfair rides, trade stands and stalls.

People travelled from far and wide to attend the games, although few further than the mayor of Canada’s Markinch.

Bob Fenwick, mayor of Markinch in Saskatchewan, came more than 3,700 miles to preside over the event with the chieftain, local piper Sandy Imrie, and he brought souvenirs to hand out.

His connection with the village began when he visited during a trip to the UK in 2014, having previously been interviewed by the local radio station Kingdom FM.

Games organisers thanked him for his attendance with a salute to him and the chieftain in the march past of massed bands which provided the grand finale.

Attention turns to Cupar and Strathmore as they host their Highland Games next, the former at Duffus Park on Saturday and the latter at Glamis Castle on Sunday.

Others this month include Newburgh, at Robbie’s Park on June 17, and Ceres, at Bow Butts on June 24.

Sarah Burns. Pictures: Competitors and members of the public taking part in the fun at Markinch Highland Games.