What's on in the area

Alva Highland Games

Jul 2009 (annual)

Hours: 12.30pm

The Alva Highland Games has been taking place since the 19th century and in 2006 celebrated its 150th gathering. It continues to be characterised by sports, including the "heavy" events, and the celebration of local culture - from whisky to bagpipes and tartans.

The "heavy" events, in addition to the track and field, include those in which large men in tartan sweat profusely as they hurl large objects as far as they can: shots (which are putt), hammers (which are thrown) and cabers (which are tossed). For teams of heavies there is a five-a-side tug-of-war competition. Then there are the more artistic activities - Scottish dancing and both solo and massed bagpiping.

Alva also hosts the Scottish 3200 metre cycle race championship and the British 800 metre championship footrace, while the Hill Race to the top of the Ochils is unique to these Games.

Johnstone Park