🧭 Fife Dominates Scotland's Priciest Towns

Good morning, Fifers! I hope you’re all enjoying some good time off over the Christmas period. It’s a bit slow on the event front, as you’d expect, but there’s still plenty going on.

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• Study in the USA with Fife College

• Fife Dominates Scotland's Priciest Towns

• 21 Events to See This Week

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

— Duncan

TODAY’S TOP STORY

🏡 Fife Dominates Scotland's Priciest Towns

It's no secret that homes are getting more and more expensive, and many Fifers will be feeling that as the East Neuk becomes increasingly popular for second homes and areas closer to Edinburgh attract people moving over the bridge. In particular, it is the coastal towns and villages in Fife that are proving most popular, with people drawn to the coastal lifestyle.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise to see Fife dominating a list of Scotland's most expensive coastal communities by property firm Rettie. Indeed, for the second year running, Elie and Earlsferry has been named Scotland's priciest coastal settlement, with the average house price reaching £571,777.

However, it doesn't stop there, with Fife towns and villages taking five of the top 10 spots: St Andrews in fourth with an average house price of £458,733, followed by Aberdour (£393,611) in sixth, Pittenweem (£347,700) in eighth, and Crail (£335,335) in ninth.

See the full report here.

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🏆 The £3.1m transformation of St Andrews’ former New Picture House into a Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake-backed social hub has been shortlisted for Renovation of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards 2025.

• ✈️ Fife Airport’s operator warns the site could close if plans for six nearby whisky warehouses are approved, citing safety risks, training disruption, and threats to 45 local jobs.

• 💊 Most Fife pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and January 2nd, check here for a list of those that will be open.

• 🏛️ Over £73,000 has been awarded to heritage and community projects across North East Fife, funding work on Crail Parish Church, Crail Museum, Cupar Golf Club, local playparks, halls, cultural events, and repairs to historic buildings.

• 🚐 Fife Coast and Countryside Trust has begun using new Vauxhall Combo vans and Isuzu pick-ups, funded through Fife Council’s capital replacement programme, to maintain over 70 outdoor sites, paths, nature reserves, and public facilities across the Kingdom.

• 🏃 Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has launched a new Performance Membership at Pitreavie Athletics Centre, offering access to an upgraded gym, a 60-metre indoor sprint track, and a 400-metre outdoor athletics track for £21 per month.

• 🏗️ Dalgety Community Trust has secured planning permission for a new £6.3m community hub on Moray Way North in Dalgety Bay, featuring a community centre, office space, café, and outdoor seating.

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

🎓 Study in the USA with Fife College

Current and former Fife College students have a unique opportunity to spend up to two months studying in the USA this summer, completely free. The George Lauder Bursary is offering two students the chance to continue their studies at an educational institution within 250 miles of New York State during the summer of 2026. The bursary covers travel and accommodation costs, making it an incredible opportunity that would look excellent on any CV.

The award celebrates George Lauder, Andrew Carnegie's uncle, who promoted the foundation of a further education college in Dunfermline in 1899, now known as Fife College. The bursary is funded by annual contributions from Lauder's descendants and other friends of the College based in the USA, administered through the Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York.

To apply, students must submit a proposal of at least 1,200 words explaining why they're a suitable candidate, their proposed field of study, the expected benefits, and how they've been inspired by their studies at Fife College.

Applications close January 7th at midnight. For more information and to apply, head here.

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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.

Tuesday, 23rd December

Snow White - This year, we are thrilled to announce, for the first time ever, the fairest panto of them all, Snow White.
📁 Panto | 🕢 1pm & 7pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25.50+

Aladdin - Join Aladdin as he sets off on a bonkers Highland adventure in this Scottish take on the classic tale.
📁 Theatre | 🕢 2pm & 7pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £27+

Aladdin: Unleash the Genie - Soar into a whole new world this Christmas with Aladdin, the spellbinding family pantomime.
📁 Panto | 🕢 2pm & 7pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14+

Oor Wee Mammy McGoose - The Best Wee Panto in Scotland returns with a Brand Spanking New Production.
📁 Panto | 🕢 2:30pm & 7pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14+

Wednesday, 24th December

Aladdin - Join Aladdin as he sets off on a bonkers Highland adventure in this Scottish take on the classic tale.
📁 Theatre | 🕢 1pm & 5pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £27+

Aladdin: Unleash the Genie - Soar into a whole new world this Christmas with Aladdin, the spellbinding family pantomime.
📁 Panto | 🕢 1pm & 5pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14+

Snow White - This year we are thrilled to announce, for the first time ever, the fairest panto of them all, Snow White.
📁 Panto | 🕢 1pm & 6pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25.50+

Oor Wee Mammy McGoose - The Best Wee Panto in Scotland returns with a Brand Spanking New Production.
📁 Panto | 🕢 2:30pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14+

Xmas Eve Dook - Bring your Santa hat, your festive cheer, and get ready for a refreshing plunge.
📁 Sport | 🕢 4pm | 📍 Silver Sands Beach, Aberdour | 🎟️ Free

Thursday, 25th December

Christmas At The Windsor - The best event of the year is back, with some of the best artists Fife has to offer.
📁 Music | 🕢 9pm | 📍 Windsor Hotel, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £16.75

Friday, 26th December

Boxing Day Cold Water Dip - Come along and join me for a cold water dip and fire.
📁 Sport | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Silver Sands Beach, Aberdour | 🎟️ Free

Boxing Day Darts & Dominoes Tournament - Darts & Dominoes tournament with prizes Luke Littler can only dream of.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 1:30pm | 📍 The Braefoot Tavern, Lochgelly | 🎟️

Aladdin - Join Aladdin as he sets off on a bonkers Highland adventure in this Scottish take on the classic tale.
📁 Theatre | 🕢 2pm & 7pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £27+

Festive Adam Smith Heritage Tour - Step into the footsteps of Adam Smith this holiday season with our Festive Heritage Tour.
📁 Tour | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Adam Smith Heritage Centre | 🎟️ Free

Snow White - This year we are thrilled to announce, for the first time ever, the fairest panto of them all, Snow White.
📁 Panto | 🕢 3pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25.50+

🎉 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

Unveiling the Madonna - Discover the story behind the Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist, the oldest painting in our art collection.
📅 Sat, 8th November - Sat, 7th March 2026 | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 St Andrews 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

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

Cheers,

Duncan