The Ceres Highland Games, the oldest free games in Scotland, take place this afternoon at the traditional location and time – Bow Butt on the last Saturday in June – in recognition of the charter to hold the Games given to the people of the village by Robert Bruce.
Held every year since 1314 (except for war), the midsummer Games are a mix of pipe music, dancing, wrestling, heavy events, cycling and running. Around the Bow Butts, there will be shows, stalls, a refreshment tent and the much-anticipated Games Burger barbeque.
A unique celebration of Ceres village starts with a procession through the village at 12.45pm with the City of St Andrews Pipe Band, before the official opening of the Games by the Ceres Chieftain at 1pm. Track and cycling events take place throughout the afternoon culminating at 3.50pm with a 3,000 metres running race followed by the De’il take the Hindmost Cycle. In the Arena there’s Highland Dancing, Wrestling, Individual Piping and a Tug of War, while the Heavyweight competition has Shot Putt, Throwing the Weight and an Open Caber Toss and the Ceres Caber. This is a full timetable of events via the Ceres Highland Games website.
Procession through the village with the City of St Andrews Pipe Band is at 12.45pm.
Official Opening of the Ceres Highland Games by the Chieftain including The St Andrews Pipe Band is at 1pm.
Day finishes at 5pm with the Closing Ceremony and the City of St Andrews Pipe Band.
Admission is on the day. Entry is free to all spectators.
Car parking. Two designated car parks are available, cost £5 per car. Street parking will be restricted on the day.