Final preparations for Buntisland Games Day

Burntisland Pipe Band will take part in the celebrations

The guests, including the Mayor of Flekkefjord and five young people, will join in the fun and also attend the Exiles reception in the Burgh Chambers before the Games to mark the 70th anniversary of the association between the two towns, which began after links formed during the Second World War.

And, with most of the preparations now in place, organisers are keeping their fingers crossed for some decent weather to make the occasion a pleasurable experience.

“If it even stays dry we will be delighted after some of the weather we have experienced recently,” said Janice Jeffrey, wife of David, who is now serving his ninth year as Chieftan of Burntisland Highland Games.

David and Janice, who is in charge of catering on the day, will attend the Exiles reception, but David will be replaced by Stuart Nicol who is acting as Honorary Chieftan for the day as David is not well enough to undertake the full rigorous programme of duties on the day.

Entries for the various races and cycling events have beel flooding in from all over Scotland, while the entrants in the Heavy events won’t be known until nearer the time, with many just turning up on the day.

“There looks like being a good entry for the running events, while the Highland dancing competitions also always attract a good turnout,” said Janice.

Following the Exiles reception, guests will parade along the High Street to the Links in time for the official opening at noon, followed by a full programme of events. The starter for the Games will once again by Dom Campbell, who has been a stalwart for many years.

“We must thank all the volunteers who have offered to help on the day, we couldn’t do without them,” said Janice.

“We have some from Lloyds bank in Dunfermline and also members of the WRI in Burntisland who will help with the catering.”

For more information contact (01592) 873251.

This year will be the 364th Burntisland Highland Games. The event was founded in 1652 and is the second oldest in the world. It takes place on the town’s Links and is accompanied by the annual fairground and stalls. The Exiles reception, which kicks off Games Day, welcomes back former Burntisland residents for a get together in the Burgh Chambers. This year it will be attended by Jim Leishman, Provost of Fife to mark the town twinning anniversary.