bit of a historic one as it relates to us finding out after years of research as to when Markinch Games were first held.
Below is the transcript and original Fife News report from those 1st Games as well as the transcript of report and results from the second games in 1872.
Markinch Highland Games #1 – Friday 7th July 1871
(Fife Herald, Thursday 13th July 1871, p.3)
Market and Games. — The attempt made by a number of the inhabitants to set on foot a market and games has proved successful here. The jovial occasion took place on Friday, and was attended by a large number of the inhabitants not only of Markinch but of the surrounding district. The games were mostly well contested The Elgin brass band was present and furnished a full flood of sweetest melody, while dancing was freely and happily indulged in the Well Park, kindly granted for the occasion by Mr Francis Miller.
Markinch Highland Games #2 – Friday 28th June 1872
(Fife Free Press – Saturday 29th June 1872, p. 3)
Annual Market and Games. — Friday being set apart for holding our annual market and games, most of the public works in the district were closed. The Kinghorn Artillery Volunteer Band was engaged for the occasion.
The games came off on the Common in the following order :—
One Mile Race — 1 J. McNicoll, Leith ; 2 A. Bremner, Kirkcaldy.
Short Race — 1 A. Bremner ; 2 J. McNicoll.
Three-Legged Race — 1 J. Wilson, Milton of Balgonie ; 2 A. Anderson, Markinch.
Hop, Step, and Leap — 1 D. Watson, Leslie ; 2 Bremner.
Standing High Leap — 1 J. Low, Markinch.
Hitch and Kick — 1 A. Bremner ; 2 D. Watson.
Vaulting with the Pole — 1 James Wilson, Kinghorn, 9 ft, 2 in. ; 2 Joseph Low, Markinch, 8 ft. 10 in.
Putting the Stone — 1 Jas. Philip, Coaltown of Balgonie ; 2 Peter Ellice, Leslie.
Bell Race — 1 George Campbell, Markinch ; 2 George Barclay, Markinch.
Velocipede Race — 1 George Gilmour, Freuchie ; 2 Wm. Henderson, Leven.
Notwithstanding that rain fell in torrents, the whole proceedings were largely patronised, and passed of creditably to all concerned.