THERE is going to be a strong Lochgelly flavour to Scotland’s first beach Highland Games next weekend.

For the man who has put the event together is Don Campbell, the Paxton Crescent resident who is Scotland’s top Games handicapper, and opening it on Saturday 15th August will be Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman.

When you throw in that the Bowhill Samba Band will be playing during the Games, being held on Kirkcaldy’s beach, the event has strong local connections.

Don has been clocking up the miles as he sets handicaps during Scotland’s Highland Games programme which has seen events take place all over the country. But he is really looking forward to the Beach Games at Kirkcaldy.

He said this week, “The interest has been really amazing among the athletes, but after the summer we have had so far they are all used to running in wet conditions! So many of our Games events so far this summer have been dogged by rain but just maybe the sun will shine on our first Beach Games.” Don has had to ensure that everything will take place before the tide comes in during the afternoon, so there will be a forenoon start on the beach in front of Kirkcaldy promenade.

“The competition will be keen and I would like to think there will be some outstanding performances, judging by the quality of the entries,” added Don.

“Given a good day there should a good few thousand spectators there and it will be a good family day out.” Adding to the community atmosphere will be some 40 stalls involving a host a host of organisations.