NORTH Berwick's Law Race has returned for its 71st anniversary with a record turnout as runners scaled the town's famous peak.

Historically one of the most popular hill races in Scotland, the race starts at the town's harbour, making its way up the Law before returning to the harbour to finish.

This year, 300 runners took part, a new record for the race, with hundreds of people lining the streets to watch the participants. 

This year's overall winners were Andrew Douglas and Isla Cubitt. 

From left: Jeremy Milne, race director; Andy Fraser, organiser; and Andrew Douglas, race winner (Image: NB Law Race)

Andrew claimed back to back victories with a time of 19m24s (five seconds faster than last year). 

Isla claimed the female title in 24m40s and is the first woman to put her name on the new trophy, funded by the North Berwick Trust. 

From left: Jeremy Milne, race director; Andy Fraser, organiser; and Isla Cubitt, women's champion (Image: Law Race)

In the North Berwick local EH39 category, Angus Wright came first with a time of 19m44s, representing the University of Edinburgh Hare & Hounds. 

For the local ladies, Tori Reid came in first (second overall) with a time of 25m03s. 

In the under-18s, Lawrence Ward was the first male and was eighth overall with a time of 21m53s, while the first under-18 female was Flora Lawson in a time of 28m04s

A record number of runners turned out for the Law Race in North Berwick (Image: Law Race)

A spokesperson for the race said: "With a balmy summer night for the race, the crowds were out in their hundreds. They were treated to some superb running and the sounds of the local bagpipe band. The runners were also treated to a solo bagpiper Charlie at the top of the Law. 

"The organising committee, from NB Runners, would like to thank the 40-plus marshals who helped out from the harbour to the summit.

"Also a big thanks to all our sponsors, including Paris Steele for the prize category sponsorship and The Lighthouse for sponsoring the medals."

All profits made are going to North Berwick Harbour Trust to help repair the harbour wall.

The race was started in 1953 to coincide with that year's coronation celebrations.

It was previously organised by Edinburgh AC for 60 years, but Team East Lothian AC and local runners took up the mantle for its return in 2023.