Significant year for Cupar Highland Games

The event, which takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at Duffus Park, has been re-named the John Hendry Memorial Games in honour of one of its founders, who was himself an accomplished athlete.

John’s eldest son Alan is to be this year’s chieftain and will lead the parade from St John’s Church to the park in time for the official opening ceremony at noon.

As always, competition promises to be keen throughout the afternoon, with a programme that includes popular events like track and field and Highland dancing.

New for this year is a special children’s section following an initiative by the Fife Highland Games Association in conjunction with Active Schools Fife.

It involved running Highland games workshops in primary schools in Fife, including Castlehill, St Columba’s, Ceres, Letham and Kettle.

Pupils were given a kit so they could practise putting the shot, tossing the caber and tug o’ war, making them eligible to compete in front of the crowds.

“Children’s versions of the shot and caber are used to ensure that they get the proper experience while using weights suitable for their age,” explained Frank Coyle of the Fife Highland Games Association.

“The crowd enthusiasm for these events often surpasses the main competitions and the sight of primary school children tossing a seven foot, solid wooden caber is impressive.”