THE Fife Regatta is ready to make a big splash as locals look forward to its long awaited return later this month.

The fifth celebration of William Fife's famous boatbuilding dynasty in Bay Street in Fairlie will see many of the classic yachts designed and launched in the village make a nostalgic comeback.

Many local workmen served in the yard, which was demolished in 1985.

The regatta, running from June 10 to 17, will be the largest gathering of Fife yachts since the event started in 1998.

The event is being sponsored by luxury watchmaker Richard Mille, and organised by Fairlie brother and sister Alastair and Fiona Houston.

Alastair, who is a marine artist, has produced a commemorative painting for 2022, with a limited run of just 175 prints.

He said: “Seeing the Fife yachts making the pilgrimage from far away waters to celebrate on the Clyde will be a sight to behold.

"It's been a while now since that day aboard the beautiful Fife 8m Fulmar in 1997, we were sailing during the Monaco Classic Week, I pointed out the amount of Fife designs sailing and suggested the possibility of seeing these yachts at their birthplace.

"The rest is history and finally after regattas in 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2013 here we are again celebrating the great designers craft in 2022."

Local historian John Riddell will kick things off with a talk on the history of the iconic yard in Fairlie Village Hall on June 8 from 7.15pm.

An entry donation of £2 will be passed to local charities.

For further information visit http://www.fiferegatta.com/