The skirl of the pipes heralded the opening of this year’s St Andrews Highland Games.
The town’s pipe band cut a dashing sight as they paraded through the home of golf to the arena in front of the Old Course Hotel.
As grey clouds began to loom, the colourful spectacular was launched with displays of athletic prowess and remarkable strength and stamina.
Now in their 31st year, the games are one of the newest on the circuit but have grown from humble beginnings to being widely regarded as one of the best in Fife, if not Scotland.
Staged in Station Park, the arena overlooks the Old Course, possibly the most famous golf course in the world and which just last week hosted the Open.
The town took centre stage again this weekend when guests from around the globe were treated to an array of heavy, track and field events, plus some first-class Highland dancing and solo piping.
There were also several chances for spectators to become involved, with a number of children’s races and even special events for overseas visitors.
Meanwhile, the Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band and Chieftain Donald MacLaren of MacLaren set the Lochearnhead Highland Games in motion on Saturday.
Held beside the tranquil setting of Loch Earn, the event featured president Angus Cameron and officials march with Clan MacGregor, Clan MacLaren and Clan MacNab, with local events confined to residents of Perthshire Highland Games Association area.
A range of competitions took place including putting a 16lb ball, throwing a 16lb hammer, tossing the caber, a 100-yards race and a 440-yards race.
The dancing events were split into ages, with well-known dances such as the Highland Fling competition for those aged over 17 and Sailor’s Hornpipe for under-16s. Children aged under 12 took part in the Sword Dance, Reel of Tulloch and Irish Jig.
Those who attended also enjoyed various track and field events, which included the tug o’ war competition, the married ladies’ race, spinsters’ race and infants’ race. The track events saw the half-mile race, high jump and hop, step and leap take place.
Pipers taking part in the piping competition submitted three tunes for each event, with the winner of the Pibroch receiving the Drumcharraigh Trophy from the Clan Gregor Society.
In addition, a number of trade stands were selling a range of confectionery, clothing and craft goods.
cwarrender@thecourier.co.uk