INVERKEITHING Highland Games has been cancelled for a second consecutive year in a bid to save the long-term future of the event.

The uncertainly of COVID restrictions means the event in August, which would have marked the 50th anniversary since the Games were resurrected in 1971, will not go ahead.

The event brings hundreds of spectators and visitors from around the world to the town every August to see Highland dancing, pipe competitions and the famous caber-tossing among other sporting events.

The committee said they had looked at other options but all would incur "significant costs and losses".

Chairman Rod Ruzzak said: ''I am sad to report, that following a committee meeting, we have reluctantly agreed to cancel this year’s Inverkeithing Highland Games, which were scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 7.

''The committee considered many potential options but all would incur significant costs and losses that would put the long-term future of the games at risk.

"We know this will be disappointing news for everyone but we hope you will support us again in 2022 when we hope we will be able to all meet again and enjoy the Games.''

Other Games across Fife and Scotland have also followed suit by pulling the plug on events this summer.

The Scottish Highland Games Association say that 52 of the 61 members have cancelled and more are expected to do the same.

Rod added: "As you know, the Games rely entirely on sponsorships, donations, advertising and grants, as well as other income on the day itself to fund the Games year on year.

"The committee are, however, working hard to ensure the future of the Games. We are now focusing on August 6, 2022."