🚨 8,000+ Attacks on NHS Fife Staff -What's Being Done?

Good morning, Fifers! It’s been a slower few days in the Kingdom since our last update, but that’s always welcome.

Here’s what’s coming your way:

• 🎭 Kirkcaldy’s Kings Theatre faces down HMRC liquidation threat

• 🌱 Lochore Meadows gets 900 new trees

• 🏡 Plans for more homes

Let’s jump in, there’s plenty to talk about!

— Duncan

WEATHER

While things are staying warm, it will be a wet weekend. Here's the forecast:

Friday: 12 🌡️ 6 | ☁️

Saturday: 11 🌡️ 6 | 🌧️

Sunday: 9 🌡️ 2 | 🌧️

Monday: 11 🌡️ 6 | ☁️

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🚨 Over 8,000 Attacks on NHS Fife Staff Since 2019

New figures have revealed a shocking 8,622 assaults on NHS Fife staff between 2019 and 2024, making it the second-highest area in Scotland for such incidents, behind NHS Tayside. A total of 51,170 violent attacks on healthcare workers were recorded across Scotland, with nurses being the most targeted.

The Scottish Government condemned the attacks, highlighting legal measures such as the Emergency Workers Act, which carries penalties of up to 12 months in prison or a £10,000 fine. NHS Fife’s Associate Director of Nursing, Nicola Robertson, reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance, emphasizing the need to support staff facing violence in the workplace.

🎭 Kirkcaldy’s Kings Theatre Faces Liquidation Threat Over Tax Dispute

Kirkcaldy’s Kings Theatre was shocked by a liquidation petition from HMRC over an alleged six-figure unpaid Corporation Tax bill. The venue, known for live music, comedy, cinema, and pantomime, faced a winding-up bid presented to Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on March 5. However, the theatre’s trustees, who insist they are exempt from the tax, remained in ongoing discussions with HMRC. In a relief for the beloved community hub, the liquidation threat was later formally withdrawn.

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🚨 A stolen skip vehicle has led to a mass of rubbish being dumped in Cardenden. The vehicle was taken from Miller Homes' Glenrothes site, and the waste was discarded on the Avenue. The Purvis Group stepped in to help clean up, while Fife Council and Police Scotland investigate.

• 🏡 Fresh plans for 24 homes at Rosyth’s former Dockyard Digs site. Developer Capital and Provincial (Rosyth) Limited has submitted a revised proposal for 12 houses and 12 flats, with 25% affordable housing. Plans address previous parking and refuse concerns.

• 🎬 Dunfermline’s former Robins Cinema is back at auction with a price cut. The historic East Port building is now listed at £132K, down from £158K last month. Once a cinema, then a lap-dancing club and ‘80s bar, its future remains uncertain.

• 🌟 Culross Stables Hub secures £10K grant for a new roof as Fife Council backs repairs for the well-used community space, with the remaining £32K funded by Fife Environment Trust and the hub.

• ♻️ Fife Health & Social Care calls for the return of care equipment. In particular, most walking aids, bath lifts, and bed rails can be recycled and reused. Drop them at recycling centres or call FELS for collection.

• 🏫 Deadline nears for naming Rosyth’s new £88M high school! Choose from Caledonia, Rosyth, Forth, or Janet McCallum. Vote by March 28!

• 📱 Mobile phone use drops 20% at Lochgelly High after banning devices in class. The school aims to become completely mobile-free, supported by a new £50M initiative to provide iPads to pupils.

• 🚉 Aberdour Railway Station will cut ticket office and public toilet hours from March 31st. Local councillor Patrick Browne criticizes the 23.4% reduction, citing negative impacts on visitors. Scotrail says changes reflect a shift in ticket-buying trends and will improve staff visibility.

• 🍺 The Albert Tavern in Freuchie, a beloved Fife pub, is up for sale after 20 years of family ownership. Priced at £195,000, the 18th-century tavern is a multi-award winner, including Scottish Pub of the Year. It’s described as the “heart and soul” of the village.

• 🏗️ Balmullo Quarry Expansion Plans have sparked local controversy as Breedon seeks to extend its operations by seven acres, extracting an additional 3.2 million tonnes of aggregate. Despite assurances of minimal impact, including noise, vibration, and dust, residents fear the loss of Lucklaw Hill and popular recreational routes.

AROUND FIFE

Each week, we highlight interesting places, hidden gems, and local experiences to explore.

🌱 Lochore Meadows to Receive 900 New Trees After Storm Damage

Lochore Meadows is set to gain 900 new trees thanks to a donation from The Conservation Volunteers’ I Dig Trees project. The Friends of Lochore Meadows secured the trees after the park lost 200 trees to storm damage earlier this year.

Storm Éowyn in January caused significant destruction, bringing down trees and power lines. Authorities had to warn against people using chainsaws to cut fallen trees for firewood, calling it “extremely dangerous.” The new trees will be a welcome addition to ongoing park restoration efforts.

🏆 Dunfermline’s Cress Co Wins National Farm Retail Award

Dunfermline-based Cress Co, a supplier of fine food and drink to farm shops and independent retailers, has been named Associate of the Year 2025 at the Farm Retail Association (FRA) Awards. The award, judged by farm shop retailers, recognizes outstanding suppliers to farm shops, farmers’ markets, and farm food businesses. The judging process included customer testimonials and mystery shopper phone calls.

Founder and Managing Director Joe Wall said: “We never expect awards for simply doing what we believe is right. But to receive this recognition from the people we serve is an absolute honour.” The award was presented at the FRA's annual event in Birmingham, where Cress Co also sponsored the Small Farm Shop of the Year award. One of its customers, Ardross Farm Shop in Fife, was a finalist.

@THEFIFEINSIDER

📍 Picture by StephenBridger | Location: Crail

📸 Share your photos of Fife with us! Tag @thefifeinsider and you could be featured in the next edition.

WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

✨ Featured Event

🎶 Live Music & Concerts

📍 Carl Marah of Logans Close Solo Acoustic Live! – Enjoy a night of acoustic music featuring Carl Marah of Logans Close, performing his new single and album "Siren Song", along with James Low’s original songs.
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕣 8:30pm | 📍 The Harbour Bar, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 The Re-Claimers – Enjoy the UK's number 1 Scottish music tribute show, featuring hits from iconic Scottish bands and artists.
📅 Sat, 22nd March | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Wee Jimmies, Cowdenbeath | 🎟️ £10

📍 Laura Silverstone LIVE!! – Catch the finalist from Spain’s Got Talent 2024 performing her favourite original songs and more at The Harbour Bar.
📅 Sat, 22nd March | 🕣 8:30pm | 📍 The Harbour Bar, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 An Evening of Burlesque – Experience a glamorous night of cabaret, burlesque, and world-class entertainment with dazzling showgirls, comedians, and fabulous costumes.
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £33

📍 OTR 25: MusT presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella – A fresh take on the classic fairy tale, brought to life by St Andrews students. Experience a magical production filled with resilience, personal agency, and timeless charm.
📅 Fri, 21st - Sat, 22nd March | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre, Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £14

🎬 Entertainment

📍 Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – The fourth installment of the Bridget Jones saga! Watch Bridget navigate life as a widow and single mum while juggling relationships.
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 Spring Equinox Holistic Fayre – Celebrate the vibrant energy of Spring with healings, readings, talks, workshops, and a marketplace full of unique items.
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕕 6:00pm – 10:00pm | 📍 The King's, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

📍 Glamrock – Get your Glamrock on with a 3-course dinner followed by a themed disco at Garvock House Hotel. Dress to impress for a chance to win a prize for the best-dressed couple!
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Garvock House Hotel, Culross | 🎟️ £38.50

📍 Dunfermline Abbey: More Than a Building – Discover the Abbey's rich history, royal connections, and role in the community, and share your thoughts on its future development.
📅 Sat, 22nd March | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Carnegie Library & Galleries, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Silverburn Flax Mill: From Flax to Linen – Learn about the multi-million pound renovation of the B-listed Flax Mill and how flax is transformed into linen.
📅 Sat, 22nd March | 🕐 1:00pm | 📍 Methil Heritage Centre, Methil | 🎟️ Free

📍 NRJ Dance Company: LEVEL UP – Experience a high-energy, heart-pounding journey with electrifying performances, stunning choreography, and powerful music.
📅 Sat, 22nd March | 🕑 2:00pm & 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £22

📍 Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny – Get ready for an evening of fast-paced, edgy one-liners as Jimmy Carr brings his brand-new show to town. Not for the easily offended!
📅 Sat, 22nd March | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £35

📍 Finding the Fairy Queen’s Voice – Discover the history and symbolism behind 'The Fairy Queen' figurehead displayed at the Fisheries Museum, exploring its legacy in maritime communities.
📅 Sun, 23rd March | 🕑 2:00pm – 3:00pm | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️£3.50

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

📍 Kirkcaldy Comic Con – Scotland’s largest free comic convention, featuring talented creators, amazing costumes, and a variety of vendors with comics, action figures, art, collectables, and more!
📅 Sat, 22nd March | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Mercat Shopping Centre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🥗 Food & Drink

📍 St Andrews Cocktail Week 2025 – Enjoy discounted cocktails, meals, and exclusive offers across St Andrews while supporting local businesses.
📅 Fri, 14th - Sun, 23rd March | 🕛 12:00pm | 📍 St Andrews | 🎟️ £12.95

📍 Artisan Fridays Market – Enjoy a weekly hot and cold food market every Friday on Kirkcaldy High Street, bringing a fresh and vibrant atmosphere with great local food.
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕘 9:00am | 📍 Kirkcaldy High Street, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Art

📍 Jack Vettriano Exhibition 2025 – A stunning collection of Jack Vettriano prints, including rare and sold-out pieces, at Affordable Arts!
📅 Tue, 4th Mar - Tue, 28th October | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Affordable Arts, Methil | 🎟️ Free

📍 Hag: Knowledge, Power & Alchemy through Craft – An inspiring exhibition celebrating the creativity, strength, and mastery of 13 Scottish women craft artists.
📅 Sat, 8th March – Sun, 8th June 2025 | 🕙 Various times | 📍 Carnegie Library & Galleries, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Drawing Fundamentals – Join artist Steve Bretel for a class that covers perception, sketching techniques, and tackling subjects with ease.
📅 Sat, 22nd March | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Unit 52 Art Studio, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £40

📍 Willow Weaving Basketry – Join Donald for a day-long workshop where you'll create a round bread or fruit basket using traditional willow weaving techniques.
📅 Sat, 22nd March | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Forgan Arts Centre, Newport-on-Tay | 🎟️ £75

SPORTS

Fixtures

⚽ Partick Thistle vs Raith Rovers
📅 Fri, 21 March | 🕒 19:45 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Kelty Hearts vs Arbroath
📅 Sat, 22 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 1

⚽ Edinburgh City vs East Fife
📅 Sat, 22 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 2

🏉 Newton Stewart vs Kirkcaldy
📅 Sat, 22 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 National League 2

🏒 Fife Flyers vs Guildford Flames
📅 Sat, 22 March | 🕒 19:15 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

🏒 Coventry Blaze vs Fife Flyers
📅 Sun, 23 March | 🕒 17:30 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

Results

THANKS FOR READING

Hope you enjoyed this week's update! If you have anything you'd like to see covered next week, just let me know.

Cheers,

Duncan

Got an event or news you want to feature? Or perhaps you’d like to promote your business to readers in Fife? Get in touch with us at [email protected] - let’s make it happen!