🧭 Controversial Bus Changes Confirmed

Good morning, Fifers!

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• Controversial Bus Changes Confirmed

• Are These The Best Asian Restaurants in Fife?

• 85 Events to See This Weekend

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

— Duncan

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TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🚌 Controversial Bus Changes Confirmed

Back in September, we highlighted the planned timetable changes that Stagecoach was seeking to implement across Fife, with a public consultation open to garner opinions. That consultation period is now closed, and Stagecoach has unveiled exactly what they plan to do, with much of it proving quite controversial.

Stagecoach says the changes are data-driven and aimed to improve punctuality, reliability, and connections across the network. However, the impact looks to be significant, with many users of the network now facing reduced frequency or perhaps the complete removal of a service with no clear alternatives.

And, as we highlighted last week, high-profile politicians are now getting involved with Fife MSP, Willie Rennie, calling on Fife Council to explore greater control or introduce a bus franchise model in order to regain influence over the network. Nevertheless, the plans have now been submitted to the Traffic Commissioner and are planned to come into operation on November 24th. Check out the changes here.

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LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🐾 Two Fife pet food banks have received a record quarter-tonne donation from Scottish SPCA’s Pet Aid, helping keep pets fed and supporting households in need across Glenrothes and Levenmouth.

• 🌳 A new 3km gravel path has opened in Minto Wood, Cardenden, creating a scenic and accessible off-road route between Cardenden and Lochgelly.

• 🚌 Upgrades to Leven Bus Station will begin on October 20th, with £271,000 invested in new paving, a cycle shelter, real-time info screens, improved crossings, and better integration with rail services.

• 🏊‍♂️ Councillor David Barratt has criticised Fife Council’s decision to end long-term bookings at Inverkeithing High’s Wing pool, raising concerns over swimming access as the school closes and plans for a new facility remain uncertain.

• 🏨 The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews reported a £890,000 loss last year amid major investments, including a renovated spa and fourth-floor upgrade, despite sales rising to £30.8 million.

• 🏖️ A new bid to build six luxury homes on Kirkcaldy’s seafront will go before councillors on October 22nd, facing opposition over coastal erosion, open space protection, and community concerns despite some support.

• 🎓 St Leonards School in St Andrews is launching Scotland’s first pre-university Postgraduate Year in August 2026, offering 17–19-year-olds an extra year to strengthen academics, life skills, and university readiness.

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

Each week, this section shines a spotlight on something standout in Fife, anything from a unique home for sale or a new local business, to an exciting upcoming event or a hidden gem staycation spot. Got something you think other locals should know about? Just hit reply to this email and tell us about it!

🏆 Are These The Best Asian Restaurants in Fife?

Stories about restaurants and food are always popular in Fife Insider, and, while there are several Michelin-winning spots on our doorstep, it’s often the hidden local gems that generate the most passion from readers. And, I am sure, the latest awards will continue that trend with the winners of the 2025 Scottish Asian Restaurant Awards having just been announced.

While Glasgow dominated the awards with 9 wins, Fife also made its mark. Namaste Shimla Palace in Cowdenbeath won Buffet Restaurant of the Year, New Shimla in Leslie took home Indian & Nepalese Restaurant of the Year, and Shimla Dining in Coaltown of Wemyss received the Curry Champions Special Award.

Of course, we are a little biased and think there are definitely a few others that should have received some accolades in Fife, but it is great to see these 3 local establishments get recognised. Let us know in the replies your favourite Asian Restaurant in Fife, and head here for a full list of the winners.

@THEFIFEINSIDER

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WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

Below you’ll find what’s on in Fife over the next few days. For a longer outlook, Fife Insider+ members see two weeks of events every Sunday night. 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.

📅 Friday, 17th October

Artisan Fridays Market - A lively weekly food market offering hot & cold food on Kirkcaldy High Street.
📁 Markets | 🕢 9am | 📍 Kirkcaldy High Street | 🎟️ Free

Creative Craft Club For Adults - Come and enjoy a regular Friday morning of creativity.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Letham Village Hall | 🎟️ £13.50

Celestial Astrology Sauna - Foxey is a certified astrologer bringing the folklore of the sky to life before your eyes.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 10am | 📍 St Andrews Seaside Sauna | 🎟️ £20

Tarvit's Ghostly Ghouls Trail - A haunting adventure awaits.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Hill of Tarvit Mansion House | 🎟️ £4

Eco Home Fizz Workshop - Join us for some fizzy family fun. Making some eco-friendly toilet bombs.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 1:30pm | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

A Brush with the Supernatural - Guided Tour of the Castle exploring the darker times of history the property has stood through.
📁 Tour | 🕢 4pm | 📍 Kellie Castle | 🎟️ £14.88

Folklore Sauna - The two 'Fae' sauna masters will lead you through ritual steam, botanicals, storytelling, and cold-water immersion.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 4pm | 📍 Elie Seaside Sauna | 🎟️ £20

From These Parts: Scotland, Art and Identity - Special preview evening filled with live music, drinks, and creative activities.
📁 Art | 🕢 6pm | 📍 Wardlaw Museum | 🎟️ £5

Sauna and Wild Swimming Festival - Book talks, music, food, sauna and entertainment, in collaboration with Futtle Organic.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 6pm | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ £7.50+

Pink Floydian - 8-piece tribute band dedicated to paying homage to the greatest progressive rock band of all time.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £28.60

Liam McGrandles - Scottish singer song writer.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £13.75

The Vanishing - Rex and Saskia, a young couple in love, are on vacation. They stop at a busy service station and Saskia is abducted.
📁 Movie | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £5+

Permacrisis - With H8teball and Aklias.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8

My Fenton Seafaring Ancestry - Ian Fenton of Fife Family History Society will give a talk on his Fife seafaring ancestors.
📁 Talk | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Crail Kirk Hall | 🎟️ £5

Storytelling Evening: The Riddles of Gestumblindi - A rare opportunity to dive deep into Icelandic sagas and Viking myths.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Crail Community Hall | 🎟️ £10

Dreamcoat Stars - An unforgettable night of West End and Broadway classics.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £28.50

Just Beatles - Critically acclaimed show that gives you a concert experience of pure Beatles’ nostalgia.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £19+

Illegal Eagles 2025 - Eagles tribute band.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £36.50

Stevie Agnew - Scottish rock vocalist and guitarist from Dunfermline
📁 Music | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📅 Saturday, 18th October

Hillview Pumpkin Patch - Hundreds of pumpkins to choose from with opportunities for fun selfies!
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Hillview Animal Park | 🎟️ £11.55

Cupar Market - Independent producers and creatives, fresh produce and food, handmade crafts, and more.
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 Crossgate, Cupar | 🎟️ Free

All Hallow's Eve Kids Trail - Put on your spookiest 'guise and join us for a terrifying trail through our walled garden & grounds.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 10am | 📍 Kellie Castle | 🎟️ £4.83

Fluid Art for Mindfulness - Focus on the flow and movement of the paint and interaction of the colours as the painting develops.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Together Levenmouth Hub, Leven | 🎟️ £30

Painting Water: Reflections & Ripples - Learn how to make water appear convincing in a painting.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Unit 52 Art Studio, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £40

Intro to Cold Water - Join us in celebrating Fife’s rich tradition of tidal pools and cold water dipping!
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 10am | 📍 Cellardyke Tidal Poo | 🎟️ £30

Herbal Immune Support - Join local herbalist Rosy to learn about herbal remedies to support your immune system.
📁 Food | 🕢 10am | 📍 The Wynd, Falkland | 🎟️ £30

Felted Wool Pictures 2 Day Retreat - I will be teaching a range of techniques using a wonderful range of fibres and colours.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Heartfelt Studio, Newburgh | 🎟️ £152.38

Sea Swim, Wellness Event - Join us for an afternoon adventure of rock scrambling and rejuvenating yoga, uplifting dancing, and an exhilarating sea swim.
📁 Sport | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Harbour House, Kinghorn | 🎟️ £20

Bookbug - Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Perfectly Pressed: Flower Pressing Workshop - Use flowers from the Garden to create your very own framed flower art.
📁 Art | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 St Andrews Botanic Garden | 🎟️ £15

Tarvit's Ghostly Ghouls Trail - A haunting adventure awaits.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Hill of Tarvit Mansion House | 🎟️ £4

The Big Draw: DRAWN TOGETHER - Whether you sketch, draw or doodle explore the fun of drawing.
📁 Art | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Off The Rails Arthouse, Ladybank | 🎟️ Free

Allotment Open Day - Come along to our open day to meet some of our staff and plot holders.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 11am | 📍 Methilhill Community Childrens Initiative | 🎟️ Free

Super Charlie - Willie’s dream of fighting crime with his cop dad is shattered when his baby brother Charlie arrives.
📁 Movie | 🕢 11am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5+

Dunfermline Climate Action Fair - Join us for our free action fair celebrating community climate action and all things green in Dunfermline.
📁 Markets | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Baldridgeburn Community Centre | 🎟️ Free

Cast ON - A cosy, free fortnightly knitting & crochet meetup for all skill levels.
📁 Art | 🕢 1:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Bambi: A Tale of Life in the Woods - With guidance from his father, Bambi learns to navigate life’s dangers and matures.
📁 Movie | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5+

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale - When Mary finds herself in a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the household grapples with the threat of social disgrace.
📁 Movie | 🕢 4pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £6.50+

A Brush with the Supernatural - Guided Tour of the Castle exploring the darker times of history the property has stood through.
📁 Tour | 🕢 4pm | 📍 Kellie Castle | 🎟️ £14.88

National Hot Rods WQR6 - With Scrapco Metal Recycling Ninja Karts Autism Awareness Event, Superstox, CC Rods, and ProStocks.
📁 Sport | 🕢 5pm | 📍 Lochgelly Raceway | 🎟️ £15

Racewall Nights - Action from Micro Bangers Supreme, BriSCA F2 Whites and Yellows Final, ORCi Stock Rods, and more.
📁 Sport | 🕢 5:45pm | 📍 Cowdenbeath Racewall | 🎟️ £18.50

Falkland Palace Ghost Tours - After-hours journey through the dark history and ghostly legends of Falkland Palace.
📁 Tour | 🕢 6pm | 📍 Falkland Palace | 🎟️ £15+

Pink Floydian - 8-piece tribute band dedicated to paying homage to the greatest progressive rock band of all time.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £28.60

18+ Pumpkin Carving - Come join us at Couple o' Mugs for a fun night of pumpkin carving, exclusively for adults 18 and over!
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Couple o' Mugs, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £15

Caught Stealing - Burned-out ex-baseball player Hank Thompson unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a dangerous struggle for survival.
📁 Movie | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £6.50+

Grand Plan at The Cafe presents Tom Wainwright - Special guest, Hacienda resident, Manchester house legend Tom Wainwright.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Café Continental, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £11.25

Torridon - Scottish folk rock band from Ross-shire.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £22

Appetite for Illusion - A Guns N' Roses tribute show.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £12

Just Beatles - Critically acclaimed show that gives you a concert experience of pure Beatles’ nostalgia.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £19+

Yesterday Once More - The ultimate Carpenters tribute show, celebrating the timeless music of Karen and Richard Carpenter.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £26.50

Thank You For The Music - International smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £32

The Iotas - Cover band from Dunfermline covering everything from Bowie, to The Black Keys.
📁 Music | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

Forgan's St Andrews Ceilidh - Head to Forgan’s and experience one of our unforgettable ceilidhs.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 10pm | 📍 Forgans St Andrews | 🎟️ £5

📅 Sunday, 19th October

Hillview Pumpkin Patch - Hundreds of pumpkins to choose from with opportunities for fun selfies!
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Hillview Animal Park | 🎟️ £11.55

BTRDA Rallycross - The 2025 BTRDA Clubman Rallycross Championship brings the season to a thrilling close.
📁 Sport | 🕢 9am | 📍 Knockhill | 🎟️ £15

All Hallow's Eve Kids Trail - Put on your spookiest 'guise and join us for a terrifying trail through our walled garden & grounds.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 10am | 📍 Kellie Castle | 🎟️ £4.83

Make a Woven Willow Nut Basket - Join Fife-based basket maker Katy Bremer for a 2.5 hour morning session.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Off The Rails Arthouse, Ladybank | 🎟️ £40

Preloved, Rehome, Relove, Repeat - Come and enjoy a charming shopping experience soaking up the nostalgia and perusing some gorgeous vintage wares.
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 Balgove Larder Farm Shop & Café | 🎟️ Free

Yoga and Sauna Session - Morning of Yoga, Sauna & Sea with Anna from The Yogi Space.
📁 Sport | 🕢 10am | 📍 Largo Castaway Sauna | 🎟️ £35

Tarvit's Ghostly Ghouls Trail - A haunting adventure awaits.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Hill of Tarvit Mansion House | 🎟️ £4

Fife VegFest - Drop in any time for a browse of the market, try some samples, and support local businesses.
📁 Markets | 🕢 11am | 📍 Kirkcaldy Old Kirk | 🎟️ Free

Fantastic Mr Fox - A heist caper stitched with corduroy and velvet-pawed uprising; Fantastic Mr. Fox is as clever in spirit as it is in style.
📁 Movie | 🕢 11am | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £5+

Culross Community Market - Enjoy a fantastic day of local shopping, delicious food, and live music.
📁 Markets | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Culross Green | 🎟️ Free

Cath Ruane: Igniting the Imagination - Exhibition celebrating the diversity of Outwith Festival.
📁 Art | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Game ON - Casual gaming club with a huge range of board games.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 12:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

The Dinosaur That Pooped - When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 12:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £15.50+

Highland Cow Experience - Meet our beautiful gang and learn more about their role here at Kinkell!
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Kinkell Byre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £20

Psycho - This Halloween weekend and spooky season, prepare for Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece Psycho.
📁 Movie | 🕢 1:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £5+

Autumn Crafternoon - All things Apples - create apple inspired artwork, apple stamping and colouring-in.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 2pm | 📍 The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

Cellardyke Harbour to Anstruther Walking Tour - Walk the town’s rich past, historic stories of the press gang and Nelson’s navy, fisherfolk’s lives, storms, shipwrecks and the gold rush.
📁 Tour | 🕢 2:30pm | 📍 Cellardyke Harbour | 🎟️ £11.55

The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines: Live in Concert - Join one of the world’s finest military bands for an unforgettable afternoon of music.
📁 Music | 🕢 3pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £15+

George The Concert - Heartfelt tribute to the legendary George Harrison.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £27.50

Night Waking - A sharp, strange, and darkly funny exploration of motherhood, colonialism, and the ghosts we inherit.
📁 Theatre | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £13+

📅 Monday, 20th October

Hillview Pumpkin Patch - Hundreds of pumpkins to choose from with opportunities for fun selfies!
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Hillview Animal Park | 🎟️ £11.55

Bookbug - Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Very Santana - Enjoy the beautiful guitar melodies and creatively diverse, challenging songs of Carlos Santana.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £30.80

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience - Become part of the action as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up mayhem on a plate alongside a 3-course meal.
📁 Food | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Forgan's St Andrews | 🎟️ £71.50

🎉 Multi-Day Festivals & Exhibitions

Fife Climate Festival - Month-long celebration of community climate action across Fife.
📅 Sat, 20th September - Sun, 19th October | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Fife | 🎟️ Varies

The Lost Words - Featuring original artwork by artist Jackie Morris and spell-poems by writer Robert Macfarlane.
📅 Sat, 28th June - Sun, 26th October | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Jack Vettriano Exhibition 2025 - Collection of Jack Vettriano prints, including rare and sold-out pieces.
📅 Tue, 4th March - Tue, 28th October | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Affordable Arts, Methil | 🎟️ Free

Falkland Palace’s Halloween Trail - Explore the spooky Halloween Trail at Falkland Palace, it’s the perfect family day out.
📅 Mon, 6th - Fri, 31st October | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Falkland Palace | 🎟️ £3

Pumpkin Picking - There will be 20,000 pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and colours.
📅 Sat, 4th - Fri, 31st October | 🕢 10am & 1pm | 📍 Cairnie Fruit Farm | 🎟️ £1.50

Flotsam - Finnish artist Riikka Palonen’s work magnificently reflects her immersion in the natural world and the cycles within it.
📅 Wed, 1st October - Sun, 2nd November | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Museum Entry

Steaming Ahead: How the Railways Changed the Fish We Eat - Take the opportunity to look at the impacts of steam railways on the fishing industry.
📅 Fri, 19th September - Mon, 10th November | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Museum Entry

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 2026 | 🕢 9:15am | 📍 The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ £17.50

Fife Insider+ members got these events two weeks early. Upgrade today to get 25% off for your first 3 months and get an extended event outlook every Sunday.

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THANKS FOR READING

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Cheers,

Duncan

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