🎡 Europe's Longest Street Fair Returns to Fife – Here’s What You Need to Know!

Good morning, Fifers! The Easter festivities are in full swing, and we’ve got a packed weekend ahead with plenty of events to enjoy.

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• 🚤 Delay for Anstruther’s New Lifeboat Station

• 🥃 Eden Mill's New Distillery is Officially Open

• 🎡 Europe's Longest Street Fair Returns to Fife

• 🗳️ Five Candidates Compete for Glenrothes By-Election Seat

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

— Duncan

WEATHER

Whilst it’s staying warm for the next couple of days, it looks like the great weather might be behind us for a while. Here's the forecast:

Friday: 17 🌡️ 4 | ☁️

Saturday: 15 🌡️ 7 | ☁️

Sunday: 11 🌡️ 3 | ⛅

Monday: 10 🌡️ 4 | ⛅

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🗳️ Five Candidates Compete for Glenrothes By-Election Seat

Residents in Glenrothes North and Thornton will head to the polls on April 24 to elect a new councillor after the sad passing of SNP councillor Ross Vettraino. Five candidates are vying for the seat: Lynda Holton (SNP), Maciej Dokurno (Labour), Fiona Leslie (Tories), Ed Scotcher (Lib Dems), and Ian Smith (Reform).

Holton, aiming to retain the seat for the SNP, has deep roots in the area, having grown up in Glenrothes and worked for parliamentarians. Dokurno, a Fife Council employee with extensive experience in youth employment, is hoping to bring his expertise to the role. Leslie, representing the Tories, promises to advocate for better local services and against the SNP's national policies, while Smith, of Reform, also focuses on local service improvements.

🚤 Anstruther's New Lifeboat Station: Construction Delayed Until Late Summer

Although Fife Council had previously stated that construction of Anstruther’s new RNLI lifeboat station would begin in spring 2025, despite objections from local businesses concerned about the impact on trade, the project will now start in late summer, with no confirmed start date yet. The new station is being built to house a larger lifeboat, as the current boat hall is too small, and expanding the existing site is not feasible. Following a consultation and planning process in 2020, the new station will be located across from the East Basin car park. Once completed, the old station will be demolished to restore parking space.

During construction, the East Basin car park and beach access will be closed, but to mitigate the impact on locals and visitors, a temporary park-and-ride facility has been set up near the Co-operative Supermarket. A bus will shuttle people to the harbour area during peak times. The project is expected to take around 18 months, with regular updates available on the Council’s website and social media.

Want to stay in the loop and plan ahead? Fife Insider+ members get an extended weekly event outlook and more.

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🚔 Police are increasing patrols in Aberdour as warmer weather approaches due to concerns over rising anti-social behaviour. Last summer, incidents included human faeces in public areas, vandalism, and an attack at the railway station. Authorities are working with schools and residents to prevent a repeat this year, with regular patrols planned.

• 🎠 Fife Council is seeking input on redesigns for four West Fife play parks: Blairhall, Gowkhall, Dalgety Bay, and Saline. Surveys are available online or at Inverkeithing Civic Centre, with a deadline of April 30.

• 🐴 Sydney the donkey will lead the Palm Sunday procession at Dunfermline Abbey on April 13. It's his fifth year taking part, and he'll be at the Mercat Cross at 10am for photos and greetings before leading the procession to the Abbey.

• 🚧 Traffic in Kelty will be disrupted on April 19 from 5:30pm to 7pm due to an Orange Walk. Several streets will be closed, including Keltyhill Road and Main Street, as the parade takes place.

• 🌳 Droverhall playpark in Crossgates, closed since January due to storm damage, is set for repairs. Fife Council is working with contractors to assess costs for resurfacing, with plans to fix it soon. The park's outdated equipment may also be upgraded, depending on future plans for a full refurbishment.

• ☕ A new Starbucks drive-thru in Dalgety Bay is delayed due to transport concerns. The site, part of the Gateway development, has faced multiple delays as Fife Council requested more time to review the plans.

• 🪨 Knockhill Quarry near Blairadam Forest plans an extension of 0.5 hectares, aiming to produce high-quality stone for road maintenance. The expansion, which would last for around 10 years, is designed to reduce costs by sourcing local material, supporting sustainability. The plan also includes measures to improve the visual impact of the quarry.

• 🧸 Bashful the dwarf has gone missing from Craigtoun Park and was last seen in the Japanese Garden. Volunteers are appealing for his safe return, as many disappointed children are unable to complete the Seven Dwarfs Trail.

• 🏨 Seaton House opens as a luxurious five-star hotel in St Andrews! Located just yards from the iconic Old Course, the hotel boasts 42 luxury rooms, including six suites.

• 🏆 8 Fife hotels nominated as finalists in Scotland's Prestige Hotel Award! These include Kirkcaldy’s Dean Park Hotel, The Inn at Charlestown, Rusacks St Andrews, Woodside Holiday Apartments, The Harbour Inn, and The Bay Hotel.

• 🎨 New Wellbeing Project at Dunfermline Museum aimed at tackling social isolation and anxiety, is launching at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. It offers creative workshops and volunteering opportunities, designed for individuals referred by NHS Fife's psychology team.

AROUND FIFE

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

🎡 Kirkcaldy Links Market 2025: A Historic Fair Returns!

Kirkcaldy Links Market, Europe's longest street fair, is back this April, with the event marking over 700 years of tradition. From April 16 to 21, the fair will stretch along the Esplanade, bringing a thrilling selection of over 30 adult rides and 100 children's attractions. Visitors can enjoy everything from high-adrenaline rides like the Matrix and Techno Power to more relaxed experiences like the Ghost Train and Waltzers. The event is free to enter, but each ride and attraction is paid for individually.

In addition to the rides, the market offers a variety of food stalls and shops, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're seeking classic fairground treats or unique eats, the market has you covered. Be mindful of the surrounding road closures and parking restrictions, but the Esplanade multi-storey car park provides ample space for visitors. Here’s a quick look at the opening times:

• Wed, Apr 16: 2pm - 10:30pm

• Thu, Apr 17: 1pm - 10:30pm

• Fri, Apr 18: 1pm - 11pm

• Sat, Apr 19: 1pm - 11pm

• Sun, Apr 20: 1pm - 9pm

• Mon, Apr 21: 1pm - 10pm

🥃 Eden Mill Distillery in Fife Hits Major Milestone with First Cask Fill

Eden Mill has officially completed the commissioning of its new distillery, marking a significant step in the company's history. On April 7, 2025, the Fife-based distillery filled its very first cask, a Scottish Oak cask, following 21 months of construction. The new facility, located just outside St Andrews, now produces both gin and single malt whisky, including its core gin range and new-make whisky, with plans to fill hundreds more casks for maturation. The state-of-the-art facility can produce up to one million litres of pure alcohol per year.

Along with the distillery’s operational launch, Eden Mill is set to open a world-class visitor centre in August 2025. The centre will offer immersive experiences and a top-floor cocktail bar with stunning views of the Eden Estuary. The move follows the distillery’s expansion from its original location, with a strong focus on sustainability, including using 100% renewable electricity.

@THEFIFEINSIDER

📍 Picture by Kris Dundas | Location: Fife Coastline near 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

Hosting something fun in Fife? We'd love to include it! Just drop us a line at [email protected]

🎶 Live Music & Concerts

📍 Steve Warner: Folk Music on Tenor Guitar – Enjoy an evening of storytelling and soulful folk music with Steve Warner as part of his UK tour.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 St Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Leven | 🎟️ Free

📍 Shaun Ryder: Happy Mondays and Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays – Rock legend and TV personality Shaun Ryder brings his wild stories, wit, and wisdom to the stage in a spoken word tour supporting his new book.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £30

📍 Chris Helme – Enjoy all the hits from his expansive career in an intimate setting.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕖 7:00 pm | 📍 The Old Inn, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £18.95

📍 The Bathers – Catch the return of this cult Scottish chamber pop band live in Kirkcaldy.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £28

📍 Elvis Presley Experience – Celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll with an Elvis impersonator bringing you all the hits and nostalgia.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️

📍 Desperados 2025: The Fast Lane Tour – The ultimate Eagles tribute band returns to deliver iconic hits like Desperado, Hotel California, and Take It to the Limit with stunning authenticity.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £22

📍 Craig Brown & Lynzie Dray – More music at the Harbour Bar in Kirkcaldy!
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕖 8:30pm | 📍 Harbour Bar, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 Chicago – The Broadway hit comes to Dunfermline! Murder, fame, and jazz collide in this dazzling local production.
📅 Thu, 10th - Sat, 12th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £17

📍 That Knave, Raleigh – Dive into the dazzling, dramatic life of Sir Walter Raleigh in this powerful one-man play by Dyad Productions. From glory to downfall, it's a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and legacy.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £16

📍 Six the Musical – A vibrant pop retelling of the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives, recorded live in London’s West End.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 Rhythms of the World – Enjoy a vibrant evening of global dance and music by young performers from Danielle Law School of Dance & Music, celebrating cultures from around the world.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly | 🎟️ £12.00

🎬 Entertainment

📍 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, 11th & Sat, 12th April | 🕦 11:30am | 📍 War Memorial, Gregory Lane, St Andrews | 🎟️ £10

📍 W3L Wrestling Showdown – Buckhaven – Get ready for body slams, high-flying action, and family-friendly fun as the World Wide Wrestling League brings top international wrestling stars to town.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕕 6:15pm | 📍 Buckhaven Community Centre, Buckhaven | 🎟️ £14.79

📍 Mhairi Black: Politics Isn’t for Me – Ex-MP Mhairi Black brings her dark humour to the stage, offering an honest and hilarious behind-the-scenes look at Westminster politics.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ Sold Out

📍 Scottish Supermoto Championship – Thrilling races with pitbikes, MiniGP bikes, and Supermotos at East Scotland Kart Club!
📅 Sat, 12th – Sun, 13th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 East of Scotland Kart Club, Crail | 🎟️ Free

📍 Scottish Championship Bike Racing: Round 1 – Witness high-speed thrills with 28 races over the weekend, featuring superbikes, sidecars, and rising stars. Armed Forces & NHS personnel enter free with ID.
📅 Sat, 12th – Sun, 13th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Knockhill Racing Circuit, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £17

📍 Dog Man – Join the hilarious adventures of Dog Man as he takes on the mischievous Petey the Cat in this fun-filled family film.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕚 11:00am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

📍 Try Bowls for Free Afternoon – Join Dunfermline Bowling Club for a fun, free introduction to lawn bowls!
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 Dunfermline Bowling Club, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Mufasa – Follow the heartwarming tale of a young lion cub's journey to find his destiny in this epic family adventure.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕝 2:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

📍 Classic Car Meet & Greet – Join the Fife Classic Car Group for a monthly gathering showcasing classic cars from bygone years.
📅 Sun, 13th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Fife Heritage Railway, Leven | 🎟️ Free

📍 Easter Ceilidh – A fun-filled Ceilidh dancing session with live music and teaching!
📅 Sun, 13th April | 🕓 4:00pm | 📍 The Stables Community Hub, Culross | 🎟️ Donations

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

📍 Easter Fun at the Scottish Fisheries Museum – Enjoy relaxed Easter activities with Jen and Kipper the Cat at the museum in Anstruther!
📅 Sun, 6th - Mon, 21st April | 🕘 10:00am | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

📍 Planet Botanic Holiday Club – Outdoor activities like den-building, wildlife spotting, and nature crafts at St Andrews Botanic Garden.
📅 Mon, 7th - Fri, 18th April | 🕘 8:45am (Mon-Fri) | 📍 St Andrews Botanic Garden, St Andrews | 🎟️ £25

📍 Dungeons and Dragons – Embark on a quest, battle enemies, and create unforgettable adventures in this beginner-friendly D&D event for ages 12-16.
📅 Wed, 9th - Sat, 12th April | 🕒 11:00am (Wed - Fri) & 1:00pm (Sat) | 📍 Methil Heritage Centre, Methil | 🎟️ Free

📍 Crazy Creatures Workshop – Join artist Kate Clarke to create your own mythical beast using a crazy creature generator and illustrate it.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕑 10:30am | 📍 Dalgety Bay Library, Dalgety Bay | 🎟️ £2

📍 Bounce – A hilarious comedy show where 'Challenge Enthusiasts' face the Marshmallow Challenge! A fun exploration of emotions and resilience, perfect for kids.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕚 11:00am & 2:00pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £8

📍 Springtastic Holiday Fun: Bluey Event – Enjoy a Bluey-themed craft and story event for young fans of the popular show!
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕚 11:00am | 📍 Templehall Library, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Spring Eggstravaganza – Enjoy a themed family breakfast event filled with stories, crafts, and an egg hunt before a delicious breakfast.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕒 9:30am | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £5

📍 Riverside Park Community Launch – Celebrate the grand opening with a picnic and a day full of fun activities like BMX displays, scavenger hunts, and nature walks!
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Riverside Park, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

📍 Scotland’s Daffodil Festival 2025 – Wander among 20,000 stunning daffodils, browse artisan stalls, and enjoy family-friendly fun in a beautiful spring setting.
📅 Sat, 12th – Sun, 13th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Backhouse Rossie Estate, Auchtermuchty | 🎟️ £6

🥗 Food & Drink

📍 Decadanced: Easter Brunch – Experience a brunch like no other, with delicious food, signature cocktails, and a party atmosphere!
📅 Sun, 13th April | 🕛 12:00pm | 📍 The Physician, St Andrews | 🎟️ £39

🛒 Markets

📍 Artisan Fridays Market – A lively weekly food market offering hot & cold food on Kirkcaldy High Street.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕘 9:00am | 📍 Kirkcaldy High Street, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Bowhouse Market – A celebration of the best food, drink, and craft producers from Fife and beyond! Enjoy street food, artisan stalls, and local makers.
📅 Sat, 12th – Sun, 13th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ Free

📍 Dunfermline City Artisan Market – Explore handmade crafts, local produce, and delicious treats from talented artisans.
📅 Sun, 13th April | 🕚 11:00am | 📍 St Catherine's Wynd, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Culross Community Market – Enjoy a fantastic day of local shopping, delicious food, and live music in the historic village of Culross.
📅 Sun, 13th April | 🕛 12:00pm | 📍 Culross Green, Culross | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Exhibitions

📍 Before and After Coal: Images and Voices from Scotland’s Mining Communities – Explore the impact of coal mining through powerful photography and personal stories from Scottish mining communities.
📅 Sat, 7th December - Sun, 20th April | 🕒 10:00am | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 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

📍 Pam Thompson: There is ‘Still Life’ After Brain Surgery – Experience the inspiring artwork of Pam Thompson, created through her journey of brain surgery and living with Multiple Sclerosis, with all profits donated to Brainstrust.
📅 Wed, 5th March - Fri, 11th April | 🕒 10:00am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ 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

📍 Lynne Muir: Photography Exhibition – Discover stunning images of the natural world from local photographer Lynne Muir, featuring scenes from her recent trip to Antarctica and beautiful shoreline moments captured near the East Neuk.
📅 Tue, 1st - Sun, 27th April | 🕙 10am | 📍 The Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther |🎟️ Free event

🧶 Arts & Crafts

📍 Introduction to Woodwork for Beginners – Learn the basics of woodworking and safe practices in a hands-on workshop designed for those working with children.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Methilhill Community Children's Initiative, Methil | 🎟️ £45

📍 Crochet Workshop for Complete Beginners with Karen Thomson – Master the art of crochet and create your own granny square in this hands-on workshop for beginners.
📅 Sat, 12th April | 🕥 10:30am | 📍 Sew Yarn Crafty & Studio, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £46.50

📍 Exhibition on Screen: Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874 – Discover the radical roots of the world’s most beloved art movement in this cinematic journey through the first Impressionist exhibition.
📅 Sun, 13th April | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £20

📍 Flower Fairies Needle Felting Workshop – Create your own enchanting flower fairy in this fun and relaxing workshop.
📅 Mon, 14th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Deborah Cameron Creative Artist Studio, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £55

Support local news and unlock our 2-week event outlook every Sunday by joining Fife Insider+.

SPORTS

Fixtures

⚽ Raith Rovers vs Airdrieonians
📅 Sat, 12 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Queen’s Park vs Dunfermline Athletic
📅 Sat, 12 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Inverness CT vs Kelty Hearts
📅 Sat, 12 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 1

⚽ Bonnyrigg Rose vs East Fife
📅 Sat, 12 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 2

🏉 Preston Lodge vs Kirkcaldy
📅 Sat, 12 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 National League 2

Results

No recent 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!