THE return of a successful rugby initiative at Dunfermline Rugby Club came to an end this week.

Tartan Touch, sponsored by Papa John's, is Scottish Rugby's fun, simple and social version of the sport in a non-contact format, and has been running at McKane Park since May.

It's designed to provide a simplified version of the oval-ball game, with the aim of attracting players of all abilities, ages and levels of experience who are looking to improve their fitness through simple and social activity, and the youngest player taking part in Dunfermline has been aged just five, with the oldest 62.

Those who attended the third-last session – the final one took place on Friday evening – were even given the treat of lifting the Calcutta Cup, which Scotland's men's side retained in the 2022 Six Nations earlier this year after a thrilling 20-17 victory over England at BT Murrayfield.

Dunfermline Rugby Club first became a Tartan Touch 'hub' in 2019, and it ran for one season before COVID-19 hampered its delivery both in 2020 and 2021.

They are one of 64 clubs throughout Scotland that have operated as a Tartan Touch hub this summer, and one of four in Fife, the others being at Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, and Howe of Fife.

Alison Caldicott, Tartan Touch co-ordinator, said: “It’s been fantastic to get Tartan Touch back up and running for the summer, especially after COVID.

"We’ve had well over 60 players coming along every single week to take part in this friendly, social format of non-contact rugby and it’s created a great buzz around the club.

"The atmosphere is fun but relaxed, and it’s perfect for families. I personally love being able to play alongside my children, and I think they like to see their mum in action too!"

For more information on Tartan Touch, visit Dunfermline Rugby Club's website at www.dunfermlinerugby.co.uk, find them on Facebook and Twitter, or go to www.scottishrugby.org/clubs-and-schools/ways-to-play/tartan-touch.