🧭 Fife Beauty Spot Transformed After Restoration

Good morning, Fifers! It’s been a wet end to the work week, and while things are drying up now, cold weather is on the way in the next few days.

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• Fife Beauty Spot Transformed After Restoration

• Key Blocker to Fife Ferry Removed

• 57 Events to See This Weekend

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

— Duncan

TODAY’S TOP STORY

⛴️ Key Blocker to Fife Ferry Removed

A key obstacle to restoring a direct ferry link between Scotland and Europe could be removed under new plans announced by the Scottish Government, bringing the long-awaited Rosyth-Dunkirk route closer to reality.

The current stumbling block is where checks on goods should happen, with current requirements of an expensive new facility in Rosyth seen as a key blocker to the service. The planned law change would enable checks to occur at the existing Grangemouth border control post, just 20 miles away, rather than requiring new facilities at Rosyth itself.

Danish ferry operator DFDS has been discussing with the Scottish Government a thrice-weekly freight and passenger service on a 20-hour crossing to Dunkirk in France. This would restore an international ferry link for the first time since 2018, when the Rosyth-Zeebrugge service closed after being downgraded to freight only. [Scottish Government]

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 💰 Abbeyview residents in Dunfermline can help decide how £30,000 of Fife Council funding is spent, with applications open from November 14th until December 19th and a drop-in event on November 22nd at Abbeyview Community Hub.

• 💛 Fife Health Charity is providing £39,000 over three years to expand Held in Our Hearts’ Hospital to Home service, giving bereaved families across Fife trauma-informed support from hospital discharge through long-term recovery.

• 💼 Fife Council is aiming to attract more investment at Scottish Cities Week in London next January. Council officials say they’ll actively promote Fife’s prospects, build a pipeline of projects, and ensure the region is more visible alongside Glasgow and Edinburgh.

• 🎵 Dunfermline musician Jacob Alon has been crowned BBC Introducing Artist of the Year 2025, becoming the first Scottish artist to win the award.

• 🏙️ Kirkcaldy is set to secure £20 million from the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund to kickstart redevelopment of its town centre and waterfront. The allocation is expected to be officially confirmed in the budget on November 26th.

• 🚌 Fife tourism jobs boost as St Andrews Executive Travel is expanding operations by 70% to meet soaring golf tourism demand ahead of The Open’s return to St Andrews in 2027, with plans to add eight new luxury coaches.

• 🎄 Dunfermline Big Light Switch-On 2025 returns on November 16th, with festive fun, family entertainment, a Santa Dash, and headline act The Bay City Rollers, as Pars manager Neil Lennon and downhill cyclist Kerry Wilson switch on the city’s Christmas lights.

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

🌱 Major River Restoration Transforms Fife Beauty Spot

A 700-metre section of the Back Burn has been restored to follow its original course at Coul Den reservoir in Glenrothes, supporting biodiversity and improving access for locals. The river had been diverted when the reservoir was built for Haig's Whisky Distillery, with most of the flow channelled through artificial infrastructure around the edge of the reservoir and hillside.

This summer, much of the old artificial infrastructure, including wire baskets filled with stones (gabions), has been removed. In its place, over 200 metres of nature-like rock ramp channel have been created with step pools to support fish movement. The banks are already greening up, with 15 mature willow, alder, birch and aspen trees planted, and 80 more saplings scheduled for winter planting.

Improving accessibility was another aim of the work, with sections of the footpath elevated and set back, and a new bridge and boardwalk installed, so the burn can flow naturally while walkers can still enjoy and feel connected to it.

The next phase of construction work, along around 1km of the Back Burn through Balbirnie Estate downstream from Coul Den, is scheduled for 2026. A similar river restoration project is also being developed for the Whinny and Brankholm Burns in Rosyth. [FCCT]

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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.

📅 Friday, 14th November

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

REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene - Course designed to give food handlers a basic knowledge and understanding of the causes of food poisoning.
📁 Food | 🕢 9:30am | 📍 Greener Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £50

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

November Crafternoon: Cosy Crafts - Join us for a fun-filled crafting event, which is designed to be relaxed and open to kids of all ages.
📁 Children | 🕢 2pm | 📍 The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

Aberdour Winter Art Festival & Village Shopping Event - Shops and cafes will be open late, and local artists will be selling their work at the Institute on Shore Road, Aberdour.
📁 Shopping | 🕢 6pm | 📍 Aberdour | 🎟️ Free

W3L Wrestling: Great Winter Bash - The World Wide Wrestling League returns with live action featuring top wrestling stars from around the world.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 6:15pm | 📍 Carnegie Leisure Centre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £20.05

An Evening of Scottish Entertainment - Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Scotland as we showcase performers from the local community, with King Creosote at the top of the bill!
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 7pm | 📍 St Andrews Town Hall | 🎟️ £5.50+

A Foreigners Journey - All the hits and classic tracks of Foreigner and Journey.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £28.60

Maiden Scotland - 5 musicians at the top of their game who know how an Iron Maiden tribute should sound.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £16.50

De Burgh Wine Dinner - Join us at Hatch for an unforgettable evening of fine wine & exceptional cuisine with De Burgh Wines.
📁 Food | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Hatch, St Andrews | 🎟️ £62

Sunshine on Leith - Davy and Ally return from active service overseas to be confronted with civilian life, relationships and new responsibilities.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:15pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £20

Barbara Dickson Acoustic - Barbara Dickson and her pianist Nick Holland explore her catalogue of songs at an intimate level.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £35

Cupar Youth Musical Theatre presents The Little Mermaid - Dive Under the Sea with Cupar Youth Musical Theatre!
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Cupar Corn Exchange | 🎟️ £8+

The Coaltown Daisies: 10 Year Anniversary Concert - Performing a stripped-back version of This Old House, harking back to the early days of this particular collection of songs.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Leslie Town Hall | 🎟️ £16.26

Stuart Mitchell: Tips Not Included - You’ve seen him online, and now you can see him on his first-ever national UK tour.
📁 Comedy | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £19.50

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

Karen Dunbar - Chewin' The Fat star Karen Dunbar is back with her brand new 2025 Scottish Tour.
📁 Comedy | 🕢 9:30pm | 📍 Markinch Town Hall | 🎟️ £27.75

📅 Saturday, 15th November

Scottish Women’s Wellbeing Summit - 1-day, wellbeing and leadership forum bringing together 250 women from across Scotland.
📁 Talk | 🕢 9am | 📍 The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews | 🎟️ £199

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

Burntisland Repair Café - Bring your broken items and our team of fixers will help repair them for free! Clothing, small electricals, woodwork and more.
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 Toll Community Centre, Burntisland | 🎟️ Free

Aberdour Winter Art Festival & Village Shopping Event - Shops and cafes will be open late, and local artists will be selling their work at the Institute on Shore Road, Aberdour.
📁 Shopping | 🕢 10am | 📍 Aberdour | 🎟️ Free

Festive Foliage Linocut Workshop - Join printmaker Pamela Scott for a festive linocut workshop.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Forgan Arts Centre | 🎟️ £58

AIA Seasonal Coffee Mornings - Join the Anstruther Improvements Association for a cup of tea or coffee.
📁 Talk | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £3.50

King of Kings - A day filled with popcorn, laughter, and a powerful message.
📁 Movie | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Hope City Church, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

Record Fair - Eclectic Vinyl is back with another Record Fair.
📁 Markets | 🕢 12:30pm | 📍 Forresters Arms, Aberdour | 🎟️ Free

Rollerbeats - Roller Disco fun for all the family!
📁 Family | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Glenwood High School, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £12.99

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

Cupar Youth Musical Theatre presents The Little Mermaid - Dive Under the Sea with Cupar Youth Musical Theatre!
📁 Stage | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Cupar Corn Exchange | 🎟️ £8+

Barbara Dickson - Barbara Dickson and her pianist Nick Holland explore her catalogue of songs at an intimate level.
📁 Music | 🕢 2:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £30

Sunshine on Leith - Davy and Ally return from active service overseas to be confronted with civilian life, relationships and new responsibilities.
📁 Stage | 🕢 2:30pm & 7:15pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £20

After Glass - Join us for a screening of After Glass, followed by a Q&A with the artists Rachel McBrinn and Alison Scott.
📁 Movie | 🕢 3pm | 📍 St Andrews Botanic Garden | 🎟️ £5+

Shebeen Live - Night of live music.
📁 Music | 🕢 4:30pm | 📍 The Brasshouse, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £22.25

Unsigned and Unleashed: A Local Band Showcase - Chance to see a variety of different bands, from Indie to Metal.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Styx, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £5

Bat out of Hell: The Musical - A new production with sprawling multi-level platforms to transport you from Raven’s bedroom to the underground world of the Lost.
📁 Movie | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Crail Community Hall | 🎟️ £10

Winter Wilson - The folk duo brings a sense of intimacy to every venue, blending hard-hitting original songs and stunning harmonies.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Leslie Town Hall | 🎟️ £13.01

Heaven Can Wait: Ultimate Meatloaf Show - A brand-new tribute concert celebrating the epic hits of Meat Loaf.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £28

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

📅 Sunday, 16th November

Wheel Throwing Workshop - This workshop introduces participants to the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Forgan Arts Centre | 🎟️ Sold out

Festive Decorations Workshop - Fun morning creating tree and reindeer decorations and a beautiful festive star from willow.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Forgan Arts Centre | 🎟️ £30

Studio8 Christmas Fayre - Over 45 stalls displaying unique and special crafts, gifts and many other gift ideas for Christmas and also Santa's Grotto!
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 Studio8, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

Scottish Supermoto Championship: Endurance - High-speed, adrenaline-filled action on mixed-terrain tracks.
📁 Sport | 🕢 10am | 📍 East of Scotland Kart Club, Crail | 🎟️ Free

Vintage Christmas Fayre - Amazing line up of traders who are busy sourcing vintage, retro and antiques from across Europe and the UK.
📁 Markets | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Strathmiglo Village Hall | 🎟️ £1

Artisan Market - Monthly showcase of local talent, creativity, and craftsmanship!
📁 Markets | 🕢 11am | 📍 St Catherine's Wynd, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

Dunfermline Big Light Switch On - Festivities start at 11am and run throughout the day with the light switch on occurring at 5pm with live music after.
📁 Family | 🕢 11am | 📍 Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

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

WonderLand: An Odyssey Through Dance - A children’s amateur dance show production brought to you by Edinburgh’s premier dance schools, DN Dance.
📁 Stage | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £15.50+

Rainbow Lives - Come along to a free writing workshop for LGBT+ folk and friends.
📁 Art | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Larick Centre, Tayport | 🎟️ Free

Dunfermline Santa Dash - Join in the Santa Dash in Dunfermline and raise money for charity!
📁 Family | 🕢 2pm | 📍 High Street , Dunfermline | 🎟️ £10

Coffee, Cake & Calligraphy - Relaxing afternoon learning the art of modern calligraphy.
📁 Art | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Balmalcolm Den | 🎟️ £48

Aga Idczak: Sounds from Home Tour - Join us for a musical journey celebrating local talent and the sounds that make Kirkcaldy feel like home!
📁 Music | 🕢 6:40pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £7.21

The Sensational David Bowie Tribute Band -  All the hits and classic tracks.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £28.60

📅 Monday, 17th November

Ambrose Parry - Talk about their brilliant historical crime series featuring the fascinating characters of Will Raven and Sarah Fisher.
📁 Talk | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Duloch Library | 🎟️ £3

Stephen Venables: South Georgia The Last Unclimbed Summits - Stephen Venables has returned 11 times to the wild, sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.
📁 Talk | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Old Kirk | 🎟️ £15

🎉 Multi-Day Events & Exhibitions

Santa’s Grotto - Santa's Grotto is always one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies Dunfermline, and this year it's even more magical!
📅 Sun, 23rd November - Wed, 24th December | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Dobbies, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £14+

Collecting the Contemporary: Scottish Art at Kirkcaldy Galleries - This display features works by modern and contemporary painters who were inspired by Scotland.
📅 Fri, 31st January - Wed, 31st December | 🕢 10am | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Jack Vettriano Exhibition 2025 - Collection of Jack Vettriano prints, including rare and sold-out pieces.
📅 Tue, 4th March - Thu, 15th January 2026 | 🕢 10am | 📍 Affordable Arts, Methil | 🎟️ Free

From These Parts: Scotland, Art and Identity - Special preview evening filled with live music, drinks, and creative activities.
📅 Sat, 18th October - Sun, 15th February 2026 | 🕢 10am | 📍 Wardlaw Museum | 🎟️ Free

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

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THANKS FOR READING

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Cheers,

Duncan