VISITORS from all over the world – and even a French TV crew – flocked to Inverkeithing for the Highland Games last weekend.

The town’s famous event, which was held at Ballast Bank, was extra special as it was the first Games back after Covid and also marked 50 years since it was resurrected.

Hank John, from the Games committee, told the Press: “There were very good numbers, it was very well turned out and it was great to see people still coming through the gates at two and three o’clock.

“That was so amazing. It was very well attended and people from all over the world were there.”

Although there have been Highland Games in Inverkeithing for centuries, the event stopped for a number of years before being revived by Ken Roy and others in 1972.

Events that drew in the crowds included the track events, including kids races and cycling, the pipe bands, Highland dancers, the tug o’war, hammer and tossing the caber.

He continued: “To me, everything at the Games is a highlight so whether you are interested in the Highland dancing, the piping or the heavyweights, there was something for everyone.

"That’s why we advertise the Games as a great day out for families.

“My favourite part of the day was meeting people from all over the world that were there, literally all over the world.

“There was people from the United States, Canada, different parts of the continent and I had a very good chat with a family who was from Ukraine.

"It was good meeting people and seeing the delight on their faces as they enjoyed their favourite part of the Games.”

There was added Gallic flair too as he smiled: “French television was there all day filming and there’s a piece on Facebook which is quite interesting.

"They did a whole three to five minute piece for their news programme and it was really good! They did a really good job and I was even able to see on that the bits I didn’t get to see on the day!”

Soon, Hank and the rest of the committee will be meeting for their annual “wash-up meeting” where they will go over the Games and find out what they can do differently next summer.

He said: "It’s good, after the lockdown, being back again. It’s not just something for local people, it’s something for everyone.

"No matter which part of the world you come from.”