Inverkeithing Highland Games
The Inverkeithing Highland Games is a highland games event in Inverkeithing, Fife, Scotland. The games have been held in the town since 1646, and are currently held at Ballast Bank Park.
History
The present highland format of the games is first recorded in 1646. The games in Inverkeithing run in conjunction with the town's annual Lammas fair, which were described in Burgh records of 1648 describe as “…a great day for fun, frolic, fit races, ale and drunken folks, gentle and simple”.The games were held at Kirkgate Park, Belleknowes until 1967. In 1971, the games were re opened at their current home at Ballast Bank park, Inverkeithing, where they have been held ever since.
The 2025 Inverkeithing Highland Games saw record breaking attendance, estimated at over 5,000 people.
Events
The games are opened by a pipe band marching through Inverkeithing town towards Ballast Bank park. There is a solo piping event.Highland dancing is a feature of the highland games. In 2025, over 100 dancers were accommodated for, from Scotland and abroad. According to organiser Frank Coyle, "We get dancers from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and across the Commonwealth, it really is an international event.”
The Inverkeithing Highland Games traditionally feature running and cycling events and heavyweight events including caber toss, shot put and hammer throw. The games also feature weight for distance and weight over the bar events for men and women.
As of 2025, there are market stalls with local vendors, food and drink and fair ground style entertainment.