🧭 Another Fife Village Goes Hollywood

Good morning, Fifers! Thanks to everyone who took part in last week’s poll on the possible introduction of Uber to Fife; the responses were fascinating. While 59% of you are in favour, many readers raised thoughtful concerns, particularly around the impact on the local taxi trade and questions over Uber’s safety.

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• Another Fife Village Goes Hollywood

• Levenmouth Reconnected Programme Extended

• 40 Events to See This Week

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

— Duncan

TODAY’S TOP STORY

🎮 Another Fife Village Goes Hollywood

One million gamers worldwide could soon be exploring a virtual version of St Monans, after the East Neuk fishing village became the inspiration for the latest entry in the legendary Silent Hill horror franchise.

Glasgow-based developer Screen Burn has transformed the coastal village into St Amelia, the fictional setting for Silent Hill: Townfall, their self-described "biggest and most ambitious game yet." The game's trailer showcases St Monans' most atmospheric elements: haar rolling through harbour streets, lobster boxes scattered along the waterfront, and the village's distinctive winding alleyways.

For context on just how significant this is: Silent Hill has been a gaming juggernaut since 1999, with the most recent release selling one million copies in a single day last September. St Monans, by contrast, has a population of just over 1,100 people, meaning the game could introduce the village to more people in its first week than have ever actually lived there.

When Silent Hill: Townfall launches later this year, St Monans will join Culross as another Fife location achieving international fame through screen media, though perhaps with a slightly darker tone than Outlander.

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🍻 The Hillend Tavern has been named Fife CAMRA 2026 Pub of the Year, praised for its quality ales, welcoming atmosphere, and local charm. The Commercial Inn in Dunfermline was named runner-up, and The Albert Tavern in Freuchie won Cider Pub of the Year.

• 🌱 The University of St Andrews has planted its first Sakura cherry blossom trees at Andrew Melville Hall, as part of the UK-wide Sakura Cherry Tree Project. Sixty trees were planted with the initiative, running until 2027, aiming to plant over 8,000 Sakura trees across the UK.

• 🚢 Babcock International has received planning approval to build a new industrial hall at Rosyth Dockyard. The 48.5m-high, 149m-long facility will support advanced shipbuilding with two gantry cranes, MegaDoors for large modules, and expanded internal space.

• 🚁 NHS Fife will carry out drone surveys at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline from February 23rd to support site maintenance. Specialist drones will capture detailed images and video of hard-to-access areas, helping plan and inform the hospital’s maintenance programme.

• 🏠 Fife Council has launched the Fife Landlord Partnership, inviting private landlords to provide temporary accommodation for vulnerable families. The scheme offers guaranteed rent, property management, and no void periods, while the council handles tenants and day-to-day support. More details here.

• 🤝 The Multibank in Fife has secured a £2.4 million partnership with Centrica, led by CEO Chris O’Shea, who grew up in Pitteuchar, Glenrothes. The funding will provide £800,000 per year to expand the charity’s reach and increase the supply of essential goods such as warm bedding, clothing, baby items, hygiene products, and furniture to families in poverty.

• 🪖 Fife residents are being warned to expect round-the-clock low-flying Chinook helicopters and increased military activity during Exercise Kukri Dawn, running from mid-February to mid-March.

• 🚀 The Levenmouth Reconnected Programme has been extended to March 2027. With £1.43m remaining to be allocated and £3.5m expected for 2026/27, the Large Grant Programme will reopen, funding initiatives linked to transport connectivity, regeneration, skills, and sustainability. You can apply for funding here.

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WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

Please remember to double-check details with venues before travelling, as events can occasionally be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice, and some will require prebooked tickets.

📅 Tuesday, 17th February

Lacto-fermentation for Beginners - Learn how to make your own naturally fermented sauerkraut and pickles!
📁 Food | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Larick Centre, Tayport | 🎟️ £27.80

Winter Talk 2: Mount Melville - This talk will bring to life two historical figures associated with Mount Melville and who left their mark on St Andrews.
📁 Talk | 🕢 2:30pm | 📍 St Andrews Bowling Club | 🎟️ £7

Dreel Crafters - All skill levels welcome for knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, embroidery and more.
📁 Art | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £3

Women In Mind Dunfermline - Volunteer lead peer to peer women’s mental health group.
📁 Support Group | 🕢 7pm | 📍 St Ninians Church, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

Create and Craft Evening: Mother's Day Gift - Join us for a fun-filled evening creating unique handmade gifts for Mother's Day.
📁 Art | 🕢 7pm | 📍 The Vine Conference Centre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £16.96

Made in Dagenham - Uplifting British musical blends humour, courage, and catchy tunes.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £8+

📅 Wednesday, 18th February

Kipper's Half Term Drop-In: Funky Funnels - Discover the iconic patterns used by different fishing companies and create your own.
📁 Children | 🕢 1:30pm | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

Dr Sandra Romenska - Sandra will discuss her career path to St Andrews and her thoughts about the future of the university.
📁 Talk | 🕢 5:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

Wednesday Night Slides - 1/10th scale Electric RWD Drift cars only, and must be running Buzz Break or DS Racing LF4 tyres.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 6:30pm | 📍 Parkgate Community Centre, Rosyth | 🎟️ £5+

Made in Dagenham - Uplifting British musical blends humour, courage, and catchy tunes.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £8+

We Will Rock You - Futuristic rock extravaganza blends epic music with a rebellious story of freedom, individuality, and the power of live performance.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £22

The Shoregate Session - Everything from traditional tunes through to songs ancient and modern.
📁 Music | 🕢 8pm | 📍 The Shoregate, Crail | 🎟️ Free

📅 Thursday, 19th February

The Penguin Lessons - Poignant comedy-drama follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin.
📁 Movie | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £6.50+

Dreel Crafters - All skill levels welcome for knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, embroidery and more.
📁 Art | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £3

Kirkcaldy Youth Music Theatre Presents Frozen - A production full of magic, humour and a stunning musical score.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:15pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £15+

Made in Dagenham - Uplifting British musical blends humour, courage, and catchy tunes.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £8+

Bedroom Farce - In this raucous 1975 comedy, Ayckbourn brilliantly combines elements of farce and claustrophobia, distilling the drama into three bedrooms.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £12+

We Will Rock You - Futuristic rock extravaganza blends epic music with a rebellious story of freedom, individuality, and the power of live performance.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £22

Strictly Patience - Gilbert and Sullivan opera, Patience, with a slight twist!
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £10+

Finding the Fairy Queen’s Voice - In this talk, Ellie Hyland shares the findings of her research into The Fairy Queen.
📁 Talk | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £3

📅 Friday, 20th February

Creative Craft Club For Adults - Come and enjoy a regular Friday morning of creativity.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Letham Village Hall | 🎟️ £15

Teasses Candlelight Snowdrops 2026 - Step into a winter wonderland at Teasses Estate's annual Snowdrop walk.
📁 Tour | 🕢 4pm | 📍 Teasses Estate | 🎟️ £8.98

Metal 2 the Masses - Brought to you by Slow Dragon Music in association with Bloodstock Open Air.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.80

Pratis Supper Club - Intimate dining experience where great food & company meet great hospitality.
📁 Food | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Pratis House, Leven | 🎟️ £59.29

Kirkcaldy Youth Music Theatre Presents Frozen - A production full of magic, humour and a stunning musical score.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:15pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £15+

Ria Lina: Riabellion - Multi-award winner commands the stage with a whirlwind of energy and leaves audiences breathless with laughter.
📁 Comedy | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £22

An Evening of One-Act Plays - Three one-act plays, each one is to be entered into the upcoming Scottish Community Drama Festival one-act play festival.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Leslie Town Hall | 🎟️ £5.42+

We Will Rock You - Futuristic rock extravaganza blends epic music with a rebellious story of freedom, individuality, and the power of live performance.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £22

Tom Stade - Direct from the Edinburgh festival, and his last smash-hit nationwide tour.
📁 Comedy | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Baldridgeburn Community Centre | 🎟️ £25

Bedroom Farce - In this raucous 1975 comedy, Ayckbourn brilliantly combines elements of farce and claustrophobia, distilling the drama into three bedrooms.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £12+

Strictly Patience - Gilbert and Sullivan opera, Patience, with a slight twist!
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £10+

Lights Out By Nine - Soul Music, mixed with powerhouse Rhythm & Blues and a blend of New Orleans Funk.
📁 Music | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £13.70

🎉 Multi-Day Events & Exhibitions

From These Parts: Scotland, Art and Identity - Special preview evening filled with live music, drinks, and creative activities.
📅 Sat, 18th October - Sun, 15th February | 🕢 10am | 📍 Wardlaw Museum | 🎟️ Free

Winter Memory Postcards - Reflect on the feelings and memories of the winter holidays, the fleeting moments captured, as if on postcards to friends and family.
📅 Wed, 4th - Mon, 16th February | 🕢 10:30am - 4pm (closed Tuesdays) | 📍 St Andrews Heritage Museum | 🎟️ Museum Admission

Paul McGinty: Beneath The Surface - This body of work represents elements of Paul McGinty's ongoing research into the history of the Coal Mining Industry in Fife.
📅 Thu, 8th January - Fri, 27th February | 🕢 10am-4pm (Thu & Fri) | 📍 Adam Smith Heritage Centre | 🎟️ Free

Unveiling the Madonna - Discover the story behind the Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist, the oldest painting in our art collection.
📅 Sat, 8th November - Sat, 7th March | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 St Andrews Museum | 🎟️ Free

Scottish Snowdrop Festival 2026 - Visitors can enjoy our winter garden and specialist snowdrop collection and the swathes of naturalised snowdrops in our woodland walk to the sea.
📅 Sun, 25th January - Sun, 15th March | 🕢 10am | 📍 Cambo Country House and Estate | 🎟️ Varies

Muir Walker Pride: 175 Years of Practice - Supported by historical drawings & instruments, this exhibition will chart the changing nature of architectural practice and its reflection of society over the years.
📅 Wed, 18th February - Sun, 15th March | 🕢 10:30am - 4pm (Wed - Mon) | 📍 St Andrews Bowling Club | 🎟️ £7.50

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

Kirkcaldy Boot & Mart - Indoor and outdoor market held every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday.
📅 Sat, 10th January - Wed, 16th December | 🕢 9am (Wed, Sat, & Sun) | 📍 6 Michelson Drive, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

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THANKS FOR READING

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Cheers,

Duncan