DESPITE the overcast skies, spirits were high at the 'historic' Hat and Ribbon Race in Inverkeithing. 

The highly-anticipated event took place last Friday, August 2, and saw The Burntisland Pipe Band lead the parade through the town to the race start point in Hope Street. 

Inverkeithing scout, Ben Hobson, proudly carried the Hat and Ribbon on the ancient halberd. He was followed by Fife Provost Jim Leishman, members of the Inverkeithing Community Council, and their invited guests.

Friday saw six races for boys and girls take place, as well as the Ladies Lammas and the Hat and Ribbon Race. 

Rachel Stewart took first place in the Ladies Lammas with Lucy Anderson in second and Michelle Archer in third. 

Aaran Arnott took first place in the coveted Hat and Ribbon Race for the third year, with John Anderson in second and Ray Donaldson taking third. 

Helen Doig, the chair of the community council, added: "While the children eagerly participated, the Ladies Lammas participants needed some encouragement to join in. The men’s Hat and Ribbon race had an impressive turnout with ten entrants, the most in many years.

"Following the races, prizes were presented by Fife Provost Jim Leishman. The winners of the children’s races received medals, while the victors of the two main races were awarded cups and monetary prizes."

The community council went on to thank Inverkeithing United Football Club for donating the medals for the races and John Lessels, owner of the Half Crown pub in Inverkeithing, for providing the prize money for the main race winners.