FOUR Pitreavie athletes represented their country at the Sainsbury's UK School Games in Manchester - and returned with two medals, a new Scottish record and some fine performances.

Pole vaulter Craig Moriarty, a pupil at St Columba's High, picked up a bronze medal for his clearance of 4.00m, and Taylor Roy, of Beath High, collected a bronze as part of Scotland's 4x100m relay team who finished third in 43.43s.

Taylor also raced in the 100m hurdles finishing sixth in 13.94s, while another Pitreavie pole vaulter Alana Dunsmore, of Woodmill High, was fifth in her competition with a clearance of 2.55m.

However, while not winning a medal, perhaps one of the most impressive performances at the Games came from 15-year-old hammer thrower Emma Rae.

After an extremely difficult season, she enjoyed a day to remember.

The Dunfermline High School pupil's throw of 56.22m is a new Scottish record - subject to verification - and although she finished just outside the medals in fourth place, it was a performance which left her family, friends and coach Colin McCulloch feeling rightly proud.

Parents Allan and Jill said: "Emma has had a difficult time this year, as she suffered from an illness early in the season which prevented her from training and throwing to her full capacity. 

"This continued for many months, with good days and bad days, meaning that her training and competitions had to be carefully chosen and monitored.  

"Emma has only really been back to full training for the last four weeks - and for three of these, the throwing cage at Pitreavie was out of use as it was deemed unsafe!"

Emma's athletic achievements and potential has meant she has been lucky enough to attract some financial support this year, with backers including The Mary Leishman Foundation, The Birnie Trust Sports Foundation, Transcal Livingston, Rollins & Sons and Bosch.

He parents added: "Emma is extremely grateful for the interest they have shown in her, and to everyone at Pitreavie and Dunfermline High for their support, dedication and encouragement.  Thank you to them all."

(Dunfermline Press report 10th September 2015)