🧭 Fife Businesses Shortlisted for Tourism's Top Prize

Good morning, Fifers! In Tuesday’s newsletter, we asked if you’d be entering the ballot for the Queensferry Crossing Tours. It looks like those 180 spots will be in high demand, with 87% of you planning to enter!

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• Fife Leisure’s Packed Summer Holiday Programme

• Fife Businesses in the Running for Tourism Awards

• 48 Events to See This Weekend

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

— Duncan

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🏆 Fife Businesses in the Running for Tourism Awards

If there’s one thing that stands out while running the Fife Insider, it’s just how many fantastic local businesses there are, so many, in fact, that there always seems to be an awards event around the corner to celebrate them. This week is no different, with the finalists for the Scottish Thistle Awards for Central and East Scotland now announced.

Run by VisitScotland, the Thistle Awards aim to recognise and champion the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry. It’s great to see several Fife businesses nominated across a range of categories. The regional winners will be announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh on 11th September, with the winners going on to the national finals in November. Fife’s nominees include:

• Best B&B or Guest House Experience: Craighall Steading, Ceres

• Best Bar or Pub: Jigger Inn, St Andrews

• Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative: Bowhouse, St Monans

• Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay: Lindores - Stay, Newburgh

Check out the full list of nominees here.

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LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🎓 Two Fife College interior design students, Paige Flockhart and Emillie Ramsay, have been named as the first recipients of a new £1,000 JH Guild Forbo Flooring Systems Scholarship. It included a funded visit to Forbo Flooring's HQ to learn about eco-friendly flooring solutions.

• 🧡 Fife Council is seeking full and part-time foster carers for children affected by disability, offering training and support to help provide stable, loving homes where young people can thrive. You can get more information here.

• 🐒 Fife Zoo has welcomed the birth of a rare De Brazza’s monkey, part of a European breeding programme. The baby, born to parents Nut and Dusty, marks a key step in conservation efforts.

• 📣 A petition has been launched after Fife Council ended the MCR Pathways mentoring programme at St Andrews and Lochgelly High Schools. The initiative has been widely praised for helping students realise their potential. You can sign the petition to save the program here.

• 📚 NHS Fife has been awarded University Health Board status, the first in over 50 years. The move recognises its groundbreaking partnership with the University of St Andrews and commitment to world-class research, education, and innovation. [NHS Fife]

• 🚨 Two paddleboarders were rescued by RNLI lifeguards at Burntisland and Leven beaches after getting into difficulty in changing coastal conditions. With warm weather and offshore winds ahead, the public has been urged to stay safe when out enjoying the sea.

• ⛳️ A new Golf Express has been launched, linking Edinburgh Airport to St Andrews. The JET787 runs every 2 hours and has a special compartment for golf clubs. Fares start at £11.70, with free travel for eligible concessions.

• 🔥 Firefighters tackled a large blaze near Cowdenbeath railway station on Wednesday evening. Several roads were closed, and train services between Inverkeithing and Cowdenbeath were disrupted. The fire is not being treated as suspicious.

• 🌊 Lion’s Mane jellyfish have been spotted along Fife’s coast, including near Kincardine. Their long, hair-like tentacles deliver a painful sting that can cause swelling. Beachgoers are urged to stay cautious and report any sightings. [Dunfermline Press]

AROUND FIFE

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

☀️ Fife Leisure’s Packed Summer Holiday Programme

The school summer holidays are now in full swing, and with the sun making an appearance, it’s a great time for family fun. But we know the juggle is real: balancing work, life, and keeping the kids entertained isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s great to see the return of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s summer holiday programme.

Alongside Fife Council’s Café Inc, which we covered in a previous issue, there’s now even more happening across Fife to help parents out.

This year’s programme brings back the hugely popular Quid a Kid initiative, offering swimming, football, and racquet sports for just £1.00 for all children aged 17 and under. On top of that, you’ll find the usual packed schedule of weekly activity sessions and drop-ins, from sports to crafting to family fun days.

👉 Check out the full list of activities here.

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WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

✨ Featured Event

Want to add an event? Use the button below. Want a Featured Event like above? Drop us a line at [email protected].

🎶 Live Music & Concerts

📍 Arienas - Local 4-piece indie rock band.
📅 Fri, 11th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £10

📍 GAVIN: The World Does Not Revolve Around You - Earthly collage of alt-folk/rock sounds with universal lyrical themes of desire, spirituality and the human condition.
📅 Fri, 11th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £15

📍 One In Ten - Scotland's UB40 tribute band.
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £13.20

📍 Frantic Chant - Supported by On The Record, Shatterproof Rulers and Brodie Campbell.
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 The Monarch Bar, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £9.05

📍 The Rat Pack Returns - This amazing live show stars the talented singers from the hit London West End musical.
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £25

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 Paula O'brien: Nothing Medium About Me - Come along and see Paula’s incredible communication with spirit, one-of-a-kind sense of humour and jaw dropping gift.
📅 Fri, 11th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £15

📍 Anton & Giovanni: Together Again - The show will be an enthralling experience for all ages, showcasing the duo’s incredible talents and irresistible chemistry.
📅 Fri, 11th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £48

📍 The Steamie - Heart-warming comedy that celebrates the spirit, resilience, and camaraderie of working-class women in post-war Glasgow.
📅 Fri, 11th & Sat, 12th July | 🕢 2:30pm (Sat) & 7:30pm (Fri & Sat) | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ £18

📍 The Story of Rena Stewart - Bletchley Park Girl from Fife, translator of Hitler's will, and BBC pioneer.
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Waterstones, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 The Land That Never Was - The true story of Gregor MacGregor, a Scottish conman who sold a country that literally did not exist.
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £13

🎬 Entertainment

📍 Composted: A Festival of Biodegradable Ideas - Connecting gardeners, scientists, environmentalists, and everyone in the community in celebration of the life in our compost.
📅 Sat, 31st May - Sat, 26th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Cambo Country House and Estate | 🎟️ Varies

📍 Kellie Castle Guided Tour - Discover how the castle it was saved from ruin in the late 19th century by a family of architects and artists.
📅 Fri, 11th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Kellie Castle | 🎟️ £14.88

📍 Escape Room Experience: The Last Exhibit - Can you escape the Bell Pettigrew Museum that has been taken over by a rogue technology?
📅 Fri, 11th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Bell Pettigrew Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ £15

📍 28 Years Later - 28 years after the Rage virus escaped a medical research laboratory, survivors have found ways to exist amidst the infected.
📅 Fri, 11th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £6.50+

📍 Dark & Haunting Tales - Meetings with the devil, ghostly stage coaches, accused witches, and body snatchers.
📅 Fri, 11th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Abbot House, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £20.21

📍 Largo Arts Week - Packed schedule of open studios, painting competitions, storytelling sessions, live music, children’s events, and more.
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Largo | 🎟️ Varies

📍 Scottish Championship Car Racing - Scottish Modsports, Scottish Legends and Super Lap Scotland Championships over the weekend.
📅 Sat, 12th & Sun, 13th July | 🕢 8:30am | 📍 Knockhill | 🎟️ Varies

📍 The Spirits of the Palace: After Hours Tours - Join us on an exclusive tour of the Palace and find out the fascinating spirits of Culross Palace.
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 5:00pm | 📍 Culross Palace | 🎟️ £25

📍 Forgan's St Andrews Ceilidh - Head to Forgan’s and experience one of our unforgettable ceilidhs.
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Forgans St Andrews | 🎟️ £6.13

📍 Hill of Tarvit Guided Tour - Find out more about the people who lived at Hill of Tarvit Mansion House, in this 50-minute guided tour.
📅 Sun, 13th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Hill of Tarvit Mansion House | 🎟️ £14.88

📍 Royal Garden Tour - Guided tour around the beautiful grounds of Falkland Palace , led by our former Head Gardener.
📅 Mon, 14th July | 🕢 3:00pm | 📍 Falkland Palace & Garden | 🎟️ £17.52

📍 Journeys by Steam - Guided social session includes curated music, breath work, essential oils and steam manipulation.
📅 Mon, 14th July | 🕢 6:00pm | 📍 Largo Castaway Sauna | 🎟️ £25

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s Summer Programme - Quid a Kid, weekly activity sessions, sport drop-ins, crafting, family fun days, and more.
📅 Mon, 7th July - Sun, 17th August | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Across Fife | 🎟️ Varies

Cafe Inc - Free lunch club for children and young people.
📅 Mon, 7th July - Sun, 17th August | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Across Fife | 🎟️ Varies

📍 Burntisland Fairground - Rides, stalls, and attractions lining the town’s seafront.
📅 Sat, 31st May - Sun, 24th August | 🕢 1:00pm | 📍 The Links, Burntisland | 🎟️ Varies

📍 The Aurrie Mor Summer Festival - Daily family friendly events including music,stories, art, and more.
📅 Fri, 11th - Sat, 19th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 The Aurrie Mor, Lower Largo | 🎟️ Varies

📍 Hillview Animal Park: Summer Visits - Come along and meet our friendly animals.
📅 Fri, 11th - Mon, 14th July | 🕢 10:00am & 1:00pm | 📍 Hillview Animal Park | 🎟️ £5

📍 Learn Photography @ Fife Zoo - Full day course with Drew Cunningham and Grant Keelan for beginners, amateurs and enthusiasts.
📅 Fri, 11th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Fife Zoo | 🎟️ £50

📍 St Andrews Heritage Tour - Discover hidden gems, stories, and secrets by exploring St Andrews Castle, Cathedral, and more.
📅 Fri, 11th July | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 St Andrews War Memorial | 🎟️ £10

📍 Sea Queen Day - Kids activities, arts and crafts stalls, food vans, great raffle prizes, and many more exciting things!
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 1:00pm | 📍 St. Monans | 🎟️ Free

📍 Artie's Singing Kettle - The Singing Kettle is back with it's founder Artie.
📅 Mon, 14th July | 🕢 5:00pm | 📍 The Aurrie Mor, Lower Largo | 🎟️ £13.01

🥗 Food & Drink

📍 Herb Forage, Make & Taste - Join local herbalist Rosy for a seasonal session of foraging, remedy making and herb tasting.
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 The Wynd, Falkland | 🎟️ £33.22

📍 Summer Sessions Boozy Brunch - Afternoon of delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and great vibes!
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 The Old Vic, St Andrews | 🎟️ £26

📍 Wild Cocktail Workshop - Discover the secrets of making wild, seasonal cocktails and mocktails.
📅 Sat, 12th & Sun, 13th July | 🕢 1:00pm | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ £65.63

🛒 Markets

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

📍 July Market Weekend - An array of Scottish food and drink traders, live music and street food.
📅 Sat, 12th & Sun, 13th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ Free

📍 Artisan Market - Monthly showcase of local talent, creativity, and craftsmanship!
📅 Sun, 13th July | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 St Catherine's Wynd, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Culross Community Market - Enjoy a fantastic day of local shopping, delicious food, and live music.
📅 Sun, 13th July | 🕢 12:00pm | 📍 Culross Green | 🎟️ Free

🧶 Arts & Crafts

📍 Giant Flowers and Copper Stems - 2 day workshop to create a large piece of felt.
📅 Sat, 12th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Heartfelt Studio, Newburgh | 🎟️ £217.39

📍 Write ON - Friendly and no pressure creative writing group for amateur and unpublished writers.
📅 Sun, 13th July | 🕢 12:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Exhibitions

📍 Crail Brushstrokes - Landscapes and landmarks familiar to many who live in or visit this lovely part of the world.
📅 Tue, 1st - Tue, 29th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

📍 Making Waves; Breaking Ground - Unique exhibition of large scale paintings and artwork.
📅 Sat, 19th July - Mon, 4th August | 🕢 10:00am (Tue-Sun) | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ Free

📍 Deep Sea World Fantasea - This summer, Deep Sea World transforms into a mythical world of magic, mystery, and marine marvels.
📅 Sat, 28th June - Sun, 17th August | 🕢 | 📍 Deep Sea World, North Queensferry | 🎟️ £13.75+

📍 Unearthed - Step back in time to discover how Scotland was formed and explore prehistoric creatures.
📅 Sat, 8th February - Sat, 27th September | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 St Andrews Museum | 🎟️ Free

📍 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

📍 Cupar Museum and Heritage Centre – Explore Cupar’s rich history with locally focused exhibitions.
📅 Wed, 16th April – Fri, 31st October | 🕒 2pm (Wed, Fri & Sun) | 📍 Cupar Railway Station, Cupar | 🎟️ 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

📍 Forthlines - Displays of squares made by people living in Fife, of places that they know and love.
📅 Sat, 24th May - Sun, 31st August | 🕢 10:00am (11:00am Sun) | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Museum Entry

📍 Rewrite the Future - Explore how today's choices can shape a fairer, more sustainable tomorrow.
📅 Sat, 31st May - Sun, 28th September | 🕢 9:45am | 📍 Wardlaw Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

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THANKS FOR READING

Thanks for reading Fife Insider today. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend in Fife.

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!