THE rain stayed away and the crowds turned out in their thousands to enjoy a Highland fling in Inverkeithing on Saturday.

After suffering a washout 12 months ago, the town’s annual Highland Games returned and spectators were treated to a day packed with event favourites.

Competitors travelled from far and wide to take part in Highland Dancing and pipe band competitions, track and field events and Games regulars such as caber-tossing, tug o’ war and hammer throw.

In addition, the day featured three Scottish Cycling Championship races, with the 800 metre Scottish Youth Cycling Championship taking place alongside the senior 4,800m and 6,400m race.

Following a parade through the town led by competing pipe bands, the Games were officially opened by Chieftain Cath Chorley.

She had been chosen to be the first Lady Chieftain since 1974 last year but, after the event’s cancellation, assumed the role once more.

Cath, of Dalgety Bay, said: “It went very well indeed and for some activities, such as the solo piping, Highland Dancing and the ‘heavies’, there were a record number of entries.

“We got lucky with the weather but the committee behind it are absolutely fantastic; everybody pulls together and it is a highlight for not just Inverkeithing, but the whole vicinity and beyond.

“It is marketed as a good, family day out and it certainly was that.

“I think it was a great day for everybody and, if everyone enjoyed it as much as I did, then they will have had a great day.”

On the track, Pitreavie’s Kyle McFarlane finished second in the 1,600 metre youth race, while Paul Gallacher, from Dunfermline, was third in the 800m cycling race.

Limekilns’ Stuart Burke took victory in the senior 4,800m event, and second in both the 6,400m and De’il Tak the Hindmost races.

On Friday night the Hat and Ribbon Race, held as part of Inverkeithing’s annual Lammas Fair, was also held and featured eight separate events.

One of Scotland’s oldest events, it has its roots in medieval times and is organised by Inverkeithing Community Council.

The Hat and Ribbon Race, open to young men aged 15-and-over who are resident in the town, dates back centuries to when the Lammas Fair was a farmers market.

The shepherds would race along Hope Street on a Friday night, with the winner earning a hat and ribbons for his love, and the event was preceded by a parade through Inverkeithing.

Regan Lumsden took the honours in the race, with Dino Mancini second and Blair Campbell third, while Louise Kane, 15, Chloe Bromwell, 16, and Kerrie Mansley, 15, finished first, second and third in the Ladies Lammas 15-years plus event.

The results of the other six races were as follows:

Girls six-and-under: First Kaylee Atkinson, 6; Second Kiara Docherty, 6; Third Emma Farley, 5.

Boys six-and-under: First Riley Glass, 6; Second Istafa Saeed, 4; Third Brodie Burnett, 5.

Girls seven-to-nine: First Kayla Duncan, 9; Second Carly Kilpatrick, 9; Third Olivia Buchanan, 9.

Boys seven-to-nine: First Cameron Bradley, 9; Second Leon Salmond, 9; Third Guy Donaldson, 8.

Girls 10-14 years: First Millie Love, 11; Second Katie Boal, 12; Third Keira Kelly, 14.

Boys 10-14 years: First Cameron Bayliss, 12; Second Corrie Bayliss, 10; Third Aiden Beveridge, 12.