Wet weather failed to dampen the competitive spirit as the Highland Games circuit got under way in Fife on Sunday.
Scotland’s oldest pipe band contest, which dates back more than 100 years, heralded the opening of the Markinch games at John Dixon Park.
Days of rain meant the grass was sodden so organisers made an early decision to move the Highland dancing competitions indoors to the town hall.
But the other competitors braved the dreich conditions, which gradually improved as the day went on.
Some of the circuit’s top strongmen were among the first to do battle in various disciplines, including shot putt, hammer and caber.
A full programme of athletics events also went ahead.
The 90 metres handicap was run on a Chariots of Fire-type string-laned track, the only one of its kind remaining at any Scottish games, while the main event for the cyclists was the Scottish 8,000 metre grass track championship and there were a number of fun races for children and their parents.
Solo piping competitions for juniors and adults also took place.
Alongside the action on the field, families enjoyed a funfair, stalls and side shows.
This year’s chieftan was local man Terry Braid, who has been a long-term supporter of the games.
