⏳ After 25 Years, Could This Iconic Fife Landmark Finally Be Returning?

Good morning, Fifers! It’s time to dust off those BBQs, there’s an early heat wave on its way this week. And, in the spirit of warm weather, today we’re sharing some of our favourite spots for a quick dip in the sea.

Here’s what else is coming your way today:

• 🚆 More Trains for Fife

• 🏰 Restoration Work Begins on Dutch Village

• 🌊 Fife’s Best Swimming Spots

• 🏊🏻 The Return of the Noody Dook

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

— Duncan

WEATHER

It’s looking like a lovely week of sun and heat ahead. Here's the forecast:

Tuesday: 20 🌡️ 7 | ☀️

Wednesday: 21 🌡️ 9 | ☀️

Thursday: 17 🌡️ 5 | ⛅

Friday: 15 🌡️ 6 | ⛅

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🚆 More Trains for Fife as ScotRail Enhances Leven Services in May 2025 Timetable

ScotRail will introduce significant improvements to its timetable from Sunday, 18 May 2025, with a key focus on boosting rail connections for Fife. The updated schedule will feature more frequent services to and from Leven, making travel easier and more accessible for local communities. Key highlights of the new timetable include:

• More Frequent Leven Services: Leven will benefit from two trains per hour throughout the day, with the second service operating via Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath.

• Better Connections to Dundee: Improved timing of services from Leven will create tighter connections at Kirkcaldy.

• Late-Night Service to Tain: A reintroduced trial late-night service from Inverness to Tain.

• Direct Morning Service from Inverness to Edinburgh: A new morning service will connect Inverness directly to Edinburgh, replacing the previous Inverness to Glasgow service.

See all the details here.

🏰 Restoration Work Begins on Craigtoun Country Park’s Dutch Village

Craigtoun Country Park, near St Andrews, is set to receive much-needed repairs to its iconic Dutch Village, which has been closed to the public for 25 years due to its deteriorating condition. The first phase of restoration is scheduled to begin next week, with Fife Council contributing £250,000 for the project, and the North East Fife Area Committee approving an additional £25,000 in Community Recovery Funding.

The Phase 1 work will focus on essential repairs, including restoring the exterior, replacing damaged roof tiles, and installing new windows. These repairs are estimated to cost £660,000, with further funding required for internal work and accessibility improvements. While the Dutch Village will remain closed after the first phase, the project is a major step towards preserving this beloved landmark for future generations. [Fife Council]

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LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🏛️ A St Andrews landowner has lost an appeal against a Scottish government decision to sell an overgrown plot to the community group Poets' Neuk. The group plans to turn the land into a public poetry garden dedicated to Mary Queen of Scots

• 🏗️ Work has begun on the new Templehall Community Hub in Kirkcaldy. The state-of-the-art facility will offer a library, training kitchen, meeting spaces, and fitness areas. The project is part of a £15 million regeneration plan and is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

• 💰 Golf pro Eugene Liebenberg embezzled £32,000 from his employers at Craig Donnelly Golf in Fife to fund his gambling habit. Liebenberg was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work and a four-month tagging order after pleading guilty to the crime.

• 🦷 The Cupar Dentist in Castle Street has clarified its future after local fears of closure. Run by Real Good Dental, the practice is currently only providing emergency treatments while awaiting a new dentist.

• ✈️ Residents near Leuchars have been warned of night-time flying exercises this week. The RAF will conduct training from 3pm to 1am daily, with possible timing variations. The exercises allow pilots to practice low-light operations.

• 🗳️ The SNP has secured a win in the Glenrothes Central and Thornton by-election, with Lynda Holton taking the seat. Holton received 1,439 first-preference votes, defeating Labour's Maciej Dokurno, who received 649 votes.

• 🚍 Stagecoach is investigating after a wheelchair user in Fife reported verbal abuse on a bus. Rowena Arrandale, who was traveling on the 39 service, claims passengers complained after folding buggies to make space for her wheelchair.

• 🌿 A new wellness retreat could be coming to Fife, pending planning approval. The East Neuk Retreat Centre, proposed by Douglas Noble, would be built from straw bales at South Lodge, Pittenweem. The retreat aims to offer activities like yoga, mindfulness, and wild swimming.

• 👏 Fife’s own Casey Gardner, 19, has secured a spot in the national final of the 2025 PDA Premier Trophy Awards – Apprentice of the Year Competition! Representing Scotland, Casey impressed judges with her precision and flair at the Glasgow City College regional heat.

• 🚶‍♂️ Mountfleurie Primary School in Leven is celebrating its commitment to active travel after receiving a Silver Fresh Air Frankie Award. The school has encouraged students and families to walk, cycle, and wheel to school, helping reduce traffic and promote a healthier lifestyle.

AROUND FIFE

Each week, we highlight positive news stories, hidden gems, and local experiences to explore.

🏊🏻 Ready to Dook? Fife’s Skinny Dip Challenge Is Back

Fifers are being invited to embrace the spirit of freedom and take the plunge at the annual "noody dook", a mass skinny dip at Aberdour’s Silver Sands Beach on Saturday, May 31. Organised by Carnegie Rotary Club, the early-morning event has already signed up nearly 100 participants.

Now in its third year, the dook has previously raised over £3,000 for good causes, and this year’s proceeds will primarily support mental health charities, including Steps to Hope, which helps people recovering from addiction. Registration starts at 7:00am, followed by a clothed warm-up yoga session at 7:30am. Participation is open to anyone aged 18 or older, and getting naked is entirely optional. Book here.

🌊 The Best Places in Fife to Take Your First Dip of the Season

While many hardy folks in Fife take part in wild swimming year-round, if you're like me, you might prefer some warmer weather before taking your first dip of the year. With a heatwave on the horizon this week, now might be the perfect time! With that in mind, I’ve put together a quick list of my favourite spots in Fife, maybe I’ll see you there!

• East Neuk Tidal Pools - With several pools to choose from, these tidal pools offer a unique experience, harking back to a time when this was a common pastime. They also provide some protection from rougher seas, giving you a little extra confidence, though not necessarily warmer temperatures!

• Silver Sands - This beach can get quite busy on hot days, but if you time it right, you might have it all to yourself. It’s also lifeguarded during the summer months, offering a bit of extra support for those who feel nervous in the water. Just make sure to check the tides, as it’s not the best spot at low tide.

• Elie Beach - Nestled in a stunning location with great views across the Forth and a charming village nearby, this is a must-visit for any swimmer. The real draw, though, is the Seaside Sauna, perfect for a cold plunge after a warm sauna session. Be sure to book ahead, as it fills up quickly!

• St Andrews West Sands - A famous beach with wide, golden sands and scenic views of the famous Old Course, West Sands is a beautiful place to take a dip. And, with the long stretch of beach, it’s rarely crowded. After your swim, why not grab a coffee in the town to warm up?

Think I’ve missed any? Let me know. I’m always looking to try a new place!

@THEFIFEINSIDER

📍 Picture by Fife Insider | Location: Scottish Deer Centre

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WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

✨ Featured Event

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🎶 Live Music & Concerts

📍 Arena – English neo-prog legends blend symphonic melodies with hard rock power.
📅 Tue, 29th April | 🕗 8:00pm | 📍 Backstage at The Green Hotel, Kinross | 🎟️ £44

📍 Scottish Chamber Orchestra: Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante – World premiere Carmina Gadelica by Jay Capperauld.
📅 Wed, 30th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews | 🎟️ £25

📍 The Shoregate Session Nights – A traditional session night with tunes and songs, from ancient to modern. Bring an instrument or just enjoy the music.
📅 Wed, 30th April | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 The Shoregate, Crail | 🎟️ Free

📍 Fitzwilliam String Quartet – A celebrity concert featuring Purcell, Mozart, and Schubert’s haunting "Death and the Maiden."
📅 Thu, 1st May | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £20

📍 Certain Death – High-energy metal night with support from Big Iron and Dam Ratz.
📅 Fri, 2nd May | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 The King's, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £10

📍 Re-Take That – The ultimate Take That tribute show featuring the band's greatest hits and Robbie Williams classics, live on stage.
📅 Fri, 2nd May | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £32

📍 Simon and Garfunkel: Through the Years – A tribute concert featuring iconic hits like The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water.
📅 Fri, 2nd & Sat, 3rd May | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £28

📍 Open Mic Night – A night of creativity where anyone can take the stage and showcase their talents, from poetry to music and storytelling.
📅 Fri, 2nd May | 🕖 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Alice Armstrong Band – Award-winning UK blues artist delivers a soulful, genre-busting performance packed with powerhouse vocals and world-class musicianship.
📅 Fri, 2nd May | 🕗 8:00pm | 📍 Backstage at The Green Hotel, Kinross | 🎟️ £24

📍 Dov and Marrakesh Live – Join David "Dov" Stevens and Mark "Marrakesh" Burdette for an upbeat night of live music.
📅 Fri, 2nd May | 🕣 8:30pm | 📍 Harbour Bar, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 When We Were Young – A powerful, eye-opening portrayal of gang culture in 1990s Glasgow, challenging tabloid stereotypes.
📅 Thu, 1st May | 🕡 6:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £17

📍 SCDA Scottish Finals 2025 – The One-Act Play Festival featuring eight short plays, performed over three nights, showcasing the best of Scottish community drama.
📅 Thu, 1st May - Sat, 3rd May | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £16

🎬 Entertainment

📍 Tide Line – Talk by artist Julie Brook on her sculptural work for the Fife Coastline as part of the Beach of Dreams project.
📅 Tue, 29th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Dalgety Bay Library, Dalgety Bay | 🎟️ Free

📍 Mr Burton – A drama about the relationship between a teacher and the wild young boy who would become Richard Burton.
📅 Wed, 30th April | 🕚 11:00am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

📍 Gladiator 2 – Rome, 209 A.D. A gladiator's arrival in the city tests allegiances and threatens the Empire's stability.
📅 Wed, 30th April | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 Beach of Dreams – An evening of inspiration and conversation with renowned artist Julie Brook, exploring her creative journey and tidal sculpture development.
📅 Wed, 30th Apr | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 New Gilston and Woodside Village Hall, New Gilston | 🎟️ £5

📍 Thelma – A heartwarming tale of a 93-year-old's quest to reclaim what was taken from her by a phone scammer.
📅 Thu, 1st May | 🕙 10:30am | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £8

📍 St Andrews Heritage Tour – Step back in time and explore the East End of St Andrews with knowledgeable local guides. Discover hidden gems, historic sites like the Castle, Cathedral, and Harbour, and hear the stories of the people who shaped the town.
📅 Fri, 2nd May | 🕦 11:30am | 📍 War Memorial, Gregory Lane, St Andrews | 🎟️ £10

📍 Fife Flyers 1985 British Championship 40th Anniversary Event – A live stage show celebrating the Fife Flyers' 1985 British Championship win, with players from the iconic team reuniting to relive that historic season.
📅 Fri, 2nd May | 🕖 7:15pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £25

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

📍 FLOAT – A beautifully immersive world for babies from birth to 12 months and their grown-ups, featuring music, dance, visual projections, and sensory objects in a calming space.
📅 Tue, 29th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £13.50

📍 Bookbug at Rothes Halls – Enjoy free, fun, and friendly sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers! Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Wed, 30th April | 🕑 10:30am | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

📍 Bookbug at Burntisland Library – Enjoy free, fun, and friendly sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers! Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Wed, 30th April | 🕑 10:30am | 📍 Burntisland Library, Burntisland | 🎟️ Free

📍 Bookbug at Leslie Library – Enjoy free, fun, and friendly sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers! Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Wed, 30th April | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 Leslie Library, Leslie | 🎟️ Free

📍 Kids' Dens: LEGO Club – Join the LEGO Club to create masterpieces, learn new skills, and have fun building with a new theme each week.
📅 Wed, 30th April | 🕒 3:30pm | 📍 Kincardine Library, Kennoway | 🎟️ £2

📍 Bookbug at Kirkcaldy Galleries – Enjoy free, fun, and friendly sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers! Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Thu, 1st May | 🕑 10:30am | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Kids' Dens: LEGO Club – Join the LEGO Club to create masterpieces, learn new skills, and have fun building with a new theme each week.
📅 Thu, 1st May | 🕒 3:15pm | 📍 Kennoway Library, Kennoway | 🎟️ £2

📍 Gaelic and Scots Bookbug at Kirkcaldy Galleries – Enjoy free, fun, and friendly sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers! Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Fri, 2nd May | 🕑 1:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🥗 Food & Drink

📍 Dunfermline Cocktail Week – Enjoy £5 cocktails and exclusive deals at 25 venues across Dunfermline!
📅 Fri, 25th April - Sun, 4th May | 🕖 9:00am - 11:45pm | 📍 Dunfermline | 🎟️ £9.95

🛒 Markets

📍 Artisan Fridays Market – A lively weekly food market offering hot & cold food on Kirkcaldy High Street.
📅 Fri, 2nd May | 🕘 9:00am | 📍 Kirkcaldy High Street, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Exhibitions

📍 Unearthed – Step back in time to discover how Scotland was formed, explore prehistoric creatures, and uncover treasures from Fife’s past.
📅 Sat, 8th February – Sat, 27th September | 🕒 10:30am | 📍 St Andrews Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

📍 Jack Vettriano Exhibition 2025 – A stunning collection of Jack Vettriano prints, including rare and sold-out pieces, at Affordable Arts!
📅 Tue, 4th March – 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 | 🕙 Various times | 📍 Carnegie Library & Galleries, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Cupar Museum and Heritage Centre – Explore Cupar’s rich history with exhibitions celebrating 250 years of Cupar Curling Club, a newly restored portrait of Charles Lees, famous creative locals, and the story of an 1870s dress that made its way to New Zealand.
📅 Wed, 16th April – Fri, 31st October | 🕒 2pm (Wed, Fri & Sun) | 📍 Cupar Railway Station, Cupar | 🎟️ Free

📍 Bunker Shots: Stories of Golf and Conflict – Discover the surprising connections between golf and conflict, including the impact of war on golfers and their equipment.
📅 Fri, 18th April - Tue, 31st March | 🕘 9:15am | 📍 The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ £17.50

📍 Fife Flyers British Championship 40th Anniversary Exhibition – Relive the dramatic victory of the 1985 British Champions with memorabilia, photos, and more.
📅 Wed, 30th April - Sun, 8th June | 🕘 10am (Mon - Sat) & 12pm (Sun) | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 The Wonder Store – An exhibition curated by Robert & David Mach, inspired by the old Wonder Store in Methil, showcasing artworks by various renowned artists.
📅 Fri, 2nd May - Sat, 27th Jun | 🕚 Varies | 📍 Methil Heritage Centre, Methil | 🎟️ Free

🧶 Arts & Crafts

📍 Dreel Crafters – Grab a cuppa and get crafting with friendly faces. All skill levels welcome for knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, embroidery and more.
📅 Tue, 29th April & Thu, 1st May | 🕑 7pm (Tue) & 2pm (Thu) | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £3

📍 Seaweed Paper Making – Spend a fun afternoon making unique textured craft papers using locally foraged seaweeds.
📅 Thu, 1st May | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 Steeple Studios, Newburgh | 🎟️ £40

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SPORTS

Fixtures

⚽ Queen’s Park vs Raith Rovers vs Greenock Morton
📅 Fri, 2 May | 🕒 19:45 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Greenock Morton vs Dunfermline Athletic vs Airdrieonians
📅 Fre, 2 May | 🕒 19:45 | 🏆 Championship

Results

⚽ Raith Rovers 1-1 Greenock Morton
📅 Sat, 26 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Dunfermline Athletic 0-0 Airdrieonians
📅 Sat, 26 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Cove Rangers 2-2 Kelty Hearts
📅 Sat, 26 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 1

⚽ Peterhead 1-0 East Fife
📅 Sat, 26 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 2

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!