💰 Could a Tourist Tax Be Coming to Fife?

Good morning, Fifers! We hope you’ve been enjoying the fantastic spring weather. We even got the BBQ out over the weekend!

Here’s what’s coming your way:

• 🏡 Over 13,000 Await Homes Amid Declared Emergency

• 💼 Fife Council Considers Tourist Tax to Boost Local Services

• 👨‍🍳 Dunfermline’s Jack Coghill Wins Young Chef of the Year

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

— Duncan

WEATHER

It’s starting to feel like summer in the Kingdom; let’s hope it lasts!. Here's the forecast:

Tuesday: 14 🌡️ 2 | ⛅

Wednesday: 12 🌡️ 1 | ☀️

Thursday: 13 🌡️ 4 | ☀️

Friday: 10 🌡️ 3 | ⛅

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🏡 Over 13,000 Await Homes Amid Declared Emergency

The Fife housing list has swelled to over 13,000 people, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing across the region. The Scottish Government and Fife Council both declared a housing emergency in 2024, yet the situation has worsened. with the list growing by 1,401 applicants in the past two years

This has sparked concerns from Willie Rennie MSP about the deepening crisis who criticized cuts to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and called for policy changes to restore investor confidence and boost housing supply. Fife Council’s Cllr Judy Hamilton has acknowledged the pressure, emphasizing efforts to support homeless residents and continue the new build housing programme. However, she noted the crisis extends beyond Fife, impacting councils across Scotland.

💼 Fife Council Considers Tourist Tax to Boost Local Services

Fife Council is exploring the introduction of a tourist tax that could raise £3.4m to £8m annually. The proposal, inspired by Edinburgh’s visitor levy launching next summer, would apply a 5% charge on accommodation costs, though the rate and coverage would be flexible.

Funds from the levy would be used to enhance tourism facilities, such as car parks, public toilets, motorhome provisions, and event venues, while also supporting town centre regeneration. However, concerns remain about potential impacts on tourism numbers and administrative burdens.

The council plans early engagement with businesses, residents, and communities before a 12-week public consultation. If approved, the tax could be implemented as early as April 2028.

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🎳 Cowdenbeath Bowling Club is seeking new members for the 2025 season starting on April 5. The club is offering £50 membership per person or £80 per couple for those who haven’t been members of a West Fife bowling club in the past three years.

• 🌿 Fife Nature Records Centre logs 400,000 wildlife sightings last year. Most reports came from volunteers using apps like iRecord. The initiative supports conservation efforts and informed decision-making.

• 🐕 Woman, 78, and dog injured in St Andrews after being bitten by another dog in the West Sands Road area on Sunday. Police Scotland is investigating the incident.

• 🎓 St Andrews rector claims 'smear campaign' in Israel row after she was stripped of her powers following comments on Israel-Palestine. An independent report found she breached responsibilities, but Maris disputes this, accusing principal Sally Mapstone of double standards.

• 🏖️ BBC game show ‘Race Against the Tide’ to film at St Andrews beach
  and will see sand sculptors battle against the incoming tide at West Sands beach. Filming runs May 10-20, with Tern TV hiring “sand assistants” and seeking sculptors.

• 🏥 Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy Opens New Treatment Room funded by Fife Health Charity. The 30-bed unit specializes in gastrointestinal and colorectal care and now offers Fife’s first paracentesis clinic, enabling same-day discharge for patients needing the procedure.

• 🏡 Townhill Receives New Defibrillator from Lochay Homes following a donation from Lochay Homes. The upgraded, more automatic device replaces the village’s previous unit and comes with a training defibrillator.

• 🩺 New Gynaecology Unit Set to Open at Queen Margaret Hospital offering specialized care for women in Fife. With a focus on comfort, privacy, and accessibility, the unit includes dedicated pre and post-operative spaces to minimize overnight stays.

• 🍽️ Fife school meals long-awaited review expected on May 20th. Complaints raised in 2019 remain unresolved, with students reporting small portions and poor quality.

• 🚑 Almost half of Fife's care services face staff shortages. A 2023 report found 46% of services had vacancies, with 60% struggling to fill nursing roles. MSP Willie Rennie urged the SNP government to invest in care services and raise wages.

• 🏗️ Fife Council approves 191 new homes in Crossgates despite 100+ objections. The Persimmon development, on 8.7 hectares of farmland, faced concerns about traffic, flooding, and loss of green space. The project includes £439k for transport upgrades, £74k for a play park, and 10 affordable homes.

• 🩱 Two Fife beaches mistakenly listed as UK nudist hotspots. The Daily Mail named Kinshaldy and Lower Largo among the UK’s top 60 naturist beaches, surprising locals. Both lack official naturist status, and reports of nudity are rare.

AROUND FIFE

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

☕ New Café and Antiques Shop Opens in Former Fife Church

Evelyn Craig has transformed the Strathmiglo Church into a unique café and antiques shop, Hamish and Baby Monkey, in memory of her late mother, Irene. The church, originally built in 1787, now serves as a cozy retreat where customers can enjoy a picnic-style experience with coffee, rolls, and cakes served in picnic baskets.

The café side is a small part of her vision, with visitors also able to explore antiques, vintage clothes, books, and plants throughout the historic building. Evelyn was inspired to open the café when she saw a table in the church inscribed with "This do in remembrance of me." Taking it as a sign, she bought the church and even tracked down the table at an auction to display her cakes.

👨‍🍳 Dunfermline’s Jack Coghill Wins Young Chef of the Year

Jack Coghill, head chef at Jack 'O' Bryan’s Bar and Kitchen in Dunfermline, has been named Young Chef of the Year at the Scottish Excellence Awards 2025. The 25-year-old chef, renowned for his handmade desserts and luxury chocolates, achieved the title after earning a Highly Commended Award last year. The award will soon take pride of place at Jack 'O' Bryan’s.

The Coghill family’s next venture, The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack, is set to open in South Queensferry next month, focusing on fresh Scottish seafood. Jack expressed gratitude to loyal customers and is eager for a busy summer ahead, managing both Jack 'O' Bryan’s and the exciting new restaurant.

@THEFIFEINSIDER

📍 Picture by Vision Plug | Location: St Andrews

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WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

✨ Featured Event

🎶 Live Music & Concerts

📍 The Shoregate Session Nights – Enjoy a traditional session night with a mix of tunes and songs, from ancient to modern. Bring an instrument, a song, or just yourself and join in the fun with no mics or amps.
📅 Wed, 2nd April | 🕗 8:00pm | 📍 The Shoregate, Crail | 🎟️ Free

📍 Royal Marines Band Presents: Cabaret at the Carnegie – Enjoy an enchanting evening of music featuring the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland. Experience everything from elegant chamber music to vibrant brass ensembles.
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £17

📍 Derek Ryan Live in Concert – Don’t miss Irish country sensation Derek Ryan as he returns to Glenrothes with his biggest concert tour to date. Enjoy hits from his latest album along with fan favorites like "Hold On To Your Hat" and "God’s Plan."
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £32.50

📍 Voodoo Pilots Live – Enjoy a night of rock with Voodoo Pilots, supported by Sons of Chance & The Other Side, presented by Kingdom Come Events.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 The King's, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.20

📍 Man In The Mirror – A Tribute to Michael Jackson – Experience the electrifying tribute concert celebrating the King of Pop, featuring iconic hits, dazzling choreography, and stunning visual effects.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £29.00

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 Ruddigore by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society – Enjoy a classic comic opera filled with secrets, betrayals, and love as the cursed Baronets of Ruddigore face a fate worse than death!
📅 Tue, 1st - Thu, 3rd April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £12.00

📍 Small Things Like These – In 1985, coal merchant Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy) uncovers dark secrets in a small Irish town controlled by the Roman Catholic Church.
📅 Wed, 2nd April | 🕚 11:00am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5.00

📍 Baton Bonanza – Join the New Generation Twirlers for a spectacular showcase of their dancing talent and annual awards.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14.00

🎬 Entertainment

📍 St Andrews Memories – Drop in to The R&A World Golf Museum for a chat while exploring photographs, objects, and film footage from their collections. Share your St Andrews memories and discover new stories over tea and coffee.
📅 Tue, 1st April | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

📍 Becoming Led Zeppelin – A deep dive into the journeys of the four legendary rockers through the 1960s music scene, culminating in 1970.
📅 Wed, 2nd April | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 Creative Conversations with Katie Birdie Makes – Join Katie Gammie for an inspiring talk about her journey as an illustrator, her creative process, and the natural inspirations behind her sustainable designs.
📅 Wed, 2nd April | 🕕 6:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

📍 Past Lives – Experience a heart-rending modern romance as childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung reunite in New York after decades apart. A beautifully crafted story of love, fate, and missed connections.
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕥 10:30am | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £8.00

📍 OnFife Collections Centre - Behind the Scenes Tour – Discover some of Fife’s hidden treasures from a collection of 250,000 objects and documents, and learn how they are preserved.
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕥 10:30am | 📍 OnFife Collections Centre, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

📍 Dunimarle Castle Guided Tour – Explore the history of Dunimarle Castle and Chapel, including its famous collection of antiques and objets d'art, while enjoying access to its beautiful private gardens.
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕚 11:00am | 📍 Dunimarle Castle, Culross | 🎟️ £11.55

📍 The Brutalist – A gripping drama about a visionary architect and his wife in post-war Europe, whose lives are transformed by a mysterious, wealthy client.
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 A Complete Unknown – Follow the journey of a 19-year-old Bob Dylan in 1961, arriving in New York and forging relationships with music legends on his rise to fame, culminating in a transformative performance.
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 Above my Station: A Railwayman’s Guide to the Railways – Join Jim Summers, former Operations Manager for Scotland, as he shares his fascinating insights into railway management and the future of Scotland’s railways.
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 252 Memorial Hall, Markinch | 🎟️ £2

📍 The Dying Art of Scottish Gravestones - An Illustrated Talk – Join Mark Hatton of Friends of Greyfriars Churchyard for a fascinating exploration into the history, artistry, and symbolism behind Scottish gravestones.
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Dunfermline Abbey Church Halls, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £5.04

📍 Jane McCarry: Live – Still Game star Jane McCarry is back with a brand-new 2025 tour. Join her for a hilarious evening filled with stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and interactive moments.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕕 6:00pm | 📍 Baldridgeburn Community Centre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25

📍 A Scottish Comedy Collective – Enjoy a night of live stand-up comedy featuring Jay Lafferty, Mark Nelson, Cubby, and MC Graham Mackie. Expect laughs, wit, and a touch of the unexpected!
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £22.00

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

📍 Bookbug at Cowdenbeath Library – Enjoy free, fun, and friendly sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers! Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Tue, 1st April | 🕑 1:00pm | 📍 Cowdenbeath Library, Cowdenbeath | 🎟️ Free

📍 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, 2nd 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, 2nd 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, 2nd April | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 Leslie Library, Leslie | 🎟️ Free

📍 Kids’ Dens: LEGO Club – Let your creativity shine at our weekly Lego Club! Build themed masterpieces and become a true Masterbuilder in this Kragle-free zone!
📅 Wed, 2nd April | 🕞 3:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £2.00

📍 Kids’ Dens: LEGO Club – Let your creativity shine at our weekly Lego Club! Build themed masterpieces and become a true Masterbuilder in this Kragle-free zone!
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕞 3:15pm | 📍 Kennoway Library, Kennoway | 🎟️ £2.00

📍 Kids’ Dens: LEGO Club – Let your creativity shine at our weekly Lego Club! Build themed masterpieces and become a true Masterbuilder in this Kragle-free zone!
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕞 3:30pm | 📍 Dalgety Bay Library, Dalgety Bay | 🎟️ £2.00

📍 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, 4th April | 🕑 1:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🥗 Food & Drink

📍 Artisan Fridays Market – A lively weekly food market offering hot & cold food on Kirkcaldy High Street.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕘 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 Workshop: Draw a Vibrant Jellyfish – Unleash your creativity in this fully instructional drawing workshop, where you'll learn techniques to bring a jellyfish to life using coloured pencils. All materials provided.
📅 Thu, 3rd April | 🕐 1:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.33

SPORTS

Fixtures

⚽ Dunfermline Athletic vs Linvingston
📅 Wed, 2 April | 🕒 19:45 | 🏆 Championship

Results

⚽ Hamilton 0-3 Raith Rovers
📅 Sat, 29 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Ayr 3-0 Dunfermline Athletic
📅 Sat, 29 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Annan Athletic 2-1 Kelty Hearts
📅 Sat, 29 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 1

⚽ East Fife 4-2 Spartans
📅 Sat, 29 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 2

🏉 Kirkcaldy 19-17 Berwick
📅 Sat, 29 March | 🕒 14:30 | 🏆 National League Cup

🏒 Belfast Giants 9-1 Fife Flyers
📅 Sat, 29 March | 🕒 19:00 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

🏒 Fife Flyers 4-8 Sheffield Steelers
📅 Sun, 30 March | 🕒 17:15 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

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!