Kirkcaldy is expecting a swell of visitors on Saturday as the town hosts the country’s first beach Highland games.
Hundreds of people are expected to descend on the local waterfront as some of the top athletes on the circuit compete on the sands.
The unique event is the brainchild of Kirkcaldy’s Business Improvement District, Kirkcaldy For All, and has seen strong support from local organisations including Kirkcaldy and Central Sports Council.
Bill Harvey, manager of the group, said that the unique setting for Kirkcaldy’s games would make it stand out in a crowded Highland games calendar.
“More than 60 official Highland games take place throughout Scotland every year and no two games are the same,” he said.
“But not one is staged on a beach until now. To host the UK’s inaugural beach Highland games is a real honour for Kirkcaldy.
“We have already had a lot of interest and we are looking forward to welcoming participants and spectators from far and wide on the day.
“There is something for everyone to get involved in and we are looking forward to a great day out on the beach.”
Kirkcaldy’s beach is already used as a venue for organised sport.
An annual motorcycle racing event will return for a third year next month and the timing of this weekend’s games means that organisers are hopeful of better weather and an even bigger turnout to cheer the competitors on.
Don Campbell, coordinator and handicapper from the Scottish Highland Games Committee, said that Kirkcaldy could be a trailblazer for other communities.
“Highland games in this format have never been done before,” he said. “With so many fantastic beaches in Scotland, we see no reason why we can’t enjoy them by the sea.
“It also opens up options for those towns who may not have the appropriate field space to think about hosting Highland games.”
The games run from 10am to 1pm and admission is free.