Inverkeithing Lammas Fair
| Inverkeithing Lammas Fair | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Lammas Fair |
| Date | First week in August |
| Locations | Inverkeithing, Fife |
| Country | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Inaugurated | Before 1503 |
Inverkeithing Lammas Fair is an annual Lammas fair event held at Inverkeithing in Fife, Scotland. It is among the oldest Lammas fairs, dating to at least the 17th century, and is one of only two remaining in Scotland.
History
The tradition of Lammas fairs in Scotland is rooted in ancient harvest festivals.[1] Inverkeithing Lammas Fair dates from before 1503; the Lammas Fair of 1503 is recorded as being attended by King James IV. James IV attended again in 1508, and royal records show he had a large retinue in tow, including Pyke de la Mair and Pieris, a noted artist.[2]
The earliest written description of Inverkeithing's Lammas Fair Celebrations dates to 1648, and is found in the burgh records. It describes the fair as "...a great day for fun, frolic, fit races, ale and drunken folks, gentle and simple".[3]
The Lammas Fair is held in conjunction with Inverkeithing Highland Games, and has been since at least 1652.[4]
Inverkeithing Lammas Fair is one of only two still taking place in Scotland - the other is St Andrews Lammas Fair.[1]
Events
The Inverkeithing Lammas Fair Hat and Ribbon Race is believed to be the oldest road race in Scotland.[5] The game originates from local shepherds competing for ribbons to gift their sweethearts, and a hat for themselves.[5] True to this legacy, hats and ribbons are still paraded through the town as part of the lammas fair alongside a pipe band on the first Friday in August.[1]
Modern additions to the Lammas Fair include rides, arts and crafts, a duck race and a quiz.[6]
References
- ^ a b c Shedden, Hannah (2025-08-04). "Fair do as Lammas Week relaunch hailed as a 'great success'". Dunfermline Press. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ^ MacGregor, Gavin (2024). Inverkeithing Archeology and Development Burgh Survey (1st ed.). Kinghorn: Fife Council. ISBN 978 1 869984 16 8.
- ^ "Inverkeithing Highland Games". inverkeithinghighlandgames.com. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ^ "Inverkeithing Highland Games". Dunfermline & West Fife Local Tourism Association. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ^ a b "Inverkeithing Hat & Ribbon Race". Calendar Customs. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
- ^ Buchanan, Clare (2025-07-11). "'Bigger and better' Lammas Fair to return to Inverkeithing". Dunfermline Press. Retrieved 2025-10-16.