ORGANISERS of the Scottish Coal Race in Kelty have been forced to scrap this year's event due to a lack of funding.

The 22nd running of the competition, where competitors race 1km through the village while carrying a bag of coal on their back, was due to take place on Saturday August 20.

Cash to put on the popular race, which last year attracted a record crowd of more than 5,000, is raised through a combination of grant funding, sponsorship and fundraising.

Organiser Michael Boyle said they had been unable to secure enough money to run this year's event but it would definitely return next year.

He said: "The race is mainly based on sponsorship and grant funding and we have been lucky in recent years to have National Lottery Funding and some support from Fife Council. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses this year not been able to support us this year like they did last year and rather than put out a diluted product, I took the decision to cancel."

Mr Boyle insisted that the race will return next year and be accompanied by a festival in Bath Street, consisting of live music, amusements, story telling and a mix of mining exhibits.

He said: "It is a hiccup rather than a gulp and next year it will be bigger and brighter.

"The response has been positive and next year the Scottish Coal Race will be on August 19.

"There will be entry fees but only for adults – children will always be free – and we will start crowdfunding in September.

"There will be three events held in the village to raise money and we're already preparing grant applications to the National Lottery, Heritage Lottery Fund and Event Scotland, who have made next year the year of history and heritage."