THE 40 Fifers who risked their lives to fight in the Spanish Civil War were honoured at a special remembrance ceremony on Saturday.

Over 100 people marched from Kirkcaldy’s Town House to the Civil War Memorial in Forth Avenue to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict.

The rededication ceremony was organised by the Fife Federation of Trade Union Councils to honour the Fife men who joined the International Brigade in 1936 to fight fascism in Spain.

Speakers at the event included Councillor Willie Clarke, historian Ian Wood and the Consul General of Spain, Federico Palomera- Guez—the first time Spain has been officially involved in such a ceremony.

Descendents of veterans were also in attendance to pay their respects.

Despite opposition from the British Government, 40 men from Fife took part in the unsuccessful three-year struggle against General Franco who was leading a fascist revolt against the government in Spain.

Franco’s forces received support from Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy and many regarded the civil conflict as a precursor to the second world war.

Saturday’s ceremony was followed by a civic reception at the Adam Smith Theatre where Fife provost John Simpson and former MEP Alex Falconer spoke.

People were also able to look at a display of Spanish Civil War memorabilia including letters home from Fife veterans.