World’s only beach Highland games have found their place

Thousands of people are expected to descend on Kirkcaldy’s waterfront next month as the town gears up to host the third UK Beach Highland games.

Despite torrential rain last year, organisers Kirkcaldy4All are putting the finishing touches in place ahead of the unique sporting occasion, which takes place on Saturday June 10.

“This is the third year that we have hosted the games,” said volunteer Christine May.

“The first year we had great weather, last year it was not so good, but we’re hoping for sunshine this year.

“Our games have found a place on the calendar and this is still a unique event.

“We are not aware of any Highland games event which is staged on the sand.

“There are competitors coming from all across Scotland and we have had great support from them.”

The beach games have drawn huge crowds to the town’s Promenade since the inaugural event in 2015.

Kirkcaldy4All confirmed the return of the event last month.

Organised around the tide, the competitions begin at 11am and are expected to conclude at around 2.30pm.

Thought to be the only beach Highland Games in the world, organisers are continuing to expand the programme.

A tug of war is joining the list of attractions this year.

As well as a sporting occasion, the games have also become a showcase for local food retailers, who will join stores from Kirkcaldy town centre in exhibiting along the Promenade.

While the Firth of Forth provides a particularly scenic backdrop for the event, Mrs May said that the location was also attracting athletes for sporting reasons.

“We have been helped by the timing of the games,” she added.

“Apparently running on sand is good for building up strength, so competitors can come here in the morning before heading off to the circuit events in the afternoon.”