Thousands line Ballast Bank as Inverkeithing games kick off

Event sees good weather after washout year

Good weather graced Inverkeithing Highland Games after a washout saw it cancelled last year.

Thousands of spectators gathered on the Ballast Bank to watch as competitors from far and wide took part in Highland dancing, track and field and heavy events.

There was also entertainment in the town centre, with the Lammas Market.

The games were officially opened by chieftain Cath Chorley, of Dalgety Bay, following a parade of pipe bands from the High Street.

She was the first lady chieftain since 1974 but had to wait a year for the honour, having originally been lined up to preside in the 2017 event.

Warm sunshine brought folk out in significant numbers and they were treated to the traditional sights and sounds of skirling pipes, strongmen in kilts and athletes excelling on the track.

The historic games, first mentioned in burgh records in 1652, include all the favourites of the games circuits, including caber tossing and tug o’ war.

For the first time and on a newly resurfaced track, the programme included a trio of Scottish championship cycle races, including the 4,800 metres and youths’ 800 metres.

Local rider Stewart Burke, from Limekilns, took victory in the former.

In the heavy events, Craig Wimslow won the overall title, beating David Colthart by just one point.

Pictures: George McLuskie. The spectators settle down to watch the events unfold in the main arena.

The royal line-up, from left: Kiri McKay, Queen Mya Goodman, King Justin Prince and Corrie Bayliss.

Young dancers warm up for the competitions ahead.

Camelon Pipe and Drums entertain the crowds.

Spiritualist Tina Lee with her caravan.

Treading the boards in the sword dance competition.