🧭 Fife Goes Global With New Sport Tech

Good morning, Fifers!

Here’s what's coming your way today:

• Fife Goes Global With New Sport Tech

• New Tapas Café Opens

• 61 Events to See This Weekend

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

— Duncan

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🏥 NHS Fife has introduced a new thumb joint replacement procedure at Queen Margaret Hospital, offering patients with arthritis a faster recovery and reduced pain compared to traditional surgery. The technique replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one, allowing earlier movement and improving hand function for those who haven’t responded to non-surgical treatments.

• ☕ Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has partnered with Glenrothes-based roastery Modern Standard Coffee to introduce ethically sourced, barista-style coffee across selected sports and leisure venues in Fife.

• 🎓 Fife Council and Fife College have reported a 100% progression rate from the Step-In Employability Course, with all 12 adult learners moving on into further education after completing an 18-week skills programme. The course delivered practical training in areas such as first aid, digital skills and communication.

• 🏘️ Taylor Wimpey has secured planning consent for 87 affordable homes at its Whitefields development in Dunfermline, marking a key early phase of a wider 1,400-home community that will also include a new primary school and local amenities.

• ⚓ SNP Councillors have criticised the Ministry of Defence after it declined their request for a public consultation on plans to use Rosyth Dockyard as a contingency base for nuclear-powered submarines.

• 🏭 ExxonMobil has donated up to £2 million worth of industrial equipment from its Mossmorran plant to Fife College, supporting hands-on training in engineering and technical skills.

• 🏆 Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has been named “People Team of the Year” at the British HR Awards 2026. The team was also shortlisted for L&D Initiative of the Year, highlighting its wider commitment to learning and employee growth.

• 🍽️ A new tapas café, The Spanish Nook, is set to officially open in Dunfermline today, taking over the former 269 Vegan premises on New Row with an informal deli and café concept.

• 🤝 Volunteering Matters has launched its Grandmentors programme in Fife, calling for volunteers aged 50+ to support care-experienced young people aged 16–26 through regular mentoring with full training and support provided to those taking part. Email [email protected] for more information.

• 🍎 Fife College students have taken part in the “From Tree to Glass” project, gaining hands-on experience with Scotland’s craft cider and perry sector through visits, tastings and industry collaboration with regional producers across the River Tay area. The 10-month programme culminated in a student-run cider pairing dinner in Kirkcaldy.

TODAY’S TOP STORY

🚴 Fife Goes Global With New Sport Tech

Riders at Kennoway Pump Track can now compete with people from around the world thanks to new technology that tracks lap times and creates global leaderboards. The Vorld system, designed by pump track specialists Velosolutions, lets riders use their smartphones to time laps, view local rankings, and take part in international community challenges through a free app. With only one other pump track in Scotland currently using the system, the Kennoway track beside Sandybrae Community Centre is now one of a small number of UK sites offering this enhanced digital riding experience.

Installed earlier this month, the timing system is already proving popular with local riders who can now see how their times compare with pump track users internationally. Lisa Hunter, Community Education Worker, said the system "adds another dimension - encouraging friendly competition while helping showcase Fife as a place that supports innovative, high-quality facilities for cycling and wheeled sports." It's a nice touch for a track that's become a well-used community space since opening in summer 2022.

The £200,000 track was funded through multiple sources, including Sportscotland's Cycling Facilities Fund, Fife Council, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Levenmouth Reconnected, Velux, Technip FMC, and Together Levenmouth. The sport is continuing to grow in Fife with a new track opened in Glenrothes last year, and one planned for Dalgety Bay too. Perhaps Fife could be home to some future cycling stars, with the tracks proving very popular with youngsters and showing how high-quality, free-to-use cycling infrastructure can encourage physical activity and create inclusive spaces for riders of all ages.

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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, 1st May

Paper Making with Seaweed Workshop - Discover the wonders of seaweed and how to make your own unique sea-themed craft papers.
📁 Art | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Limekilns Parish Church | 🎟️ £45

Coffee Afternoon & Sketchbook Club - Take some time for yourself to sketch, doodle, chat, or simply enjoy the calm, inspiring atmosphere of the space.
📁 Art | 🕢 2:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

Grass to Grill Tour - A showcase of our organic farming landscape and produce from Balcaskie.
📁 Food | 🕢 4pm | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ £76.47

Copper Lungs - Indie rock band.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £13.20

The Beautiful Trainwreck Show - Plus support from Sauze Kings and Craig Harley Brown.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £10

Friday Night Stock Car Action - Featuring U-Pull-It 1400 Stock Cars, Ministox, and ProStocks.
📁 Sport | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Lochgelly Raceway | 🎟️ £16

The Audience - Returning to cinemas for the first time in over a decade, Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II.
📁 Movie | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £15+

Fife College 5km - Open to Fife College staff, students and members of the public, the route is a local favourite and suitable for all abilities.
📁 Sport | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £3.96

Come From Away - This stirring production brings to life the incredible true story of a small town’s generosity and courage in the wake of global tragedy.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:15pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £18+

Susie McCabe: Best Behaviour - The Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow award winner Susie McCabe is back!
📁 Comedy | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £20

New Town Stompers - Dynamic traditional jazz septet, mainly from Edinburgh, and inspired by the ragtime, jazz and blues which dominated American music.
📁 Music | 🕢 8pm | 📍 St Bryce Kirk, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14

No Alibi - High‑energy mix of classic hits and modern favourites.
📁 Music | 🕢 8:30pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6.13

Saturday, 2nd May

Fife Pilgrim Way Ultra Marathon (90K) - Inspired by Queen Margaret’s crossing, this fully supported event combines endurance, history, and breathtaking Fife scenery.
📁 Sport | 🕢 6am | 📍 North Queensferry | 🎟️ £135

St Andrews Market - Independent producers and creatives, fresh produce and food, handmade crafts, and more.
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 South Street, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

West Fife Curated Market - Unique handmade crafts, thoughtful homewares, original art and carefully designed gifts.
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 Dunfermline East Church | 🎟️ Free

The Art of Feeling: Empowering Workshop - An embodied workshop to meet Joy through movement, breath, and shared space.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 10am | 📍 The Yoga Social, Charlestown | 🎟️ £89

Open Studios North Fife - An opportunity to meet Artists and Makers in their own studios.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am-5pm | 📍 North Fife | 🎟️ Free

Sewing Classes - Sewing experience designed especially for kids, during which they will have the opportunity to make their own tote bag, pouch, or hair accessory.
📁 Children | 🕢 11am & 1pm | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park | 🎟️ Free

The Magic Faraway Tree - Based on the beloved The Faraway Tree series of novels for children.
📁 Movie | 🕢 11am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5+

Secrets and Spies - A day of mystery, detection and stealth at our Secrets and Spies Activity Day.
📁 Family | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Wardlaw Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

Sauna at Merchants House Cafe - Join us in the beautiful garden at Merchants House Café for a sound bath sauna experience.
📁 Sport | 🕢 12pm, 1:25pm & 2:50pm | 📍 Merchant's House Café, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5+

Starstruck - A Dance Point Academy production.
📁 Stage | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £14.50+

Beltane Festival - Mark the arrival of summer with family activities, outdoor workshops and creative happenings.
📁 Family | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Forgan Arts Centre | 🎟️ £3.50+

Everybody to Kenmure Street - Neighbours and activists rush to surround an immigration van detaining two residents in Scotland’s most diverse community.
📁 Movie | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5+

Come From Away - This stirring production brings to life the incredible true story of a small town’s generosity and courage in the wake of global tragedy.
📁 Stage | 🕢 2:15pm & 7:15pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £18+

Unlimited Banger World Cup - One of the best meetings of the season roars back, and it promises absolute carnage from start to finish.
📁 Sport | 🕢 5pm | 📍 Cowdenbeath Racewall | 🎟️ £23

The Urban - Punk band.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £10

Project Hail Mary - Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship light-years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there.
📁 Movie | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5+

Windblown - A hauntingly beautiful tribute to a palm tree facing its chainsaw demise.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £25+

Note of Concern and The Flat -  Fast Snail Productions bring a fun double bill to Leslie Town Hall.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Leslie Town Hall | 🎟️ £13.01

Livewire the AC/DC Show - The ultimate AC/DC tribute band live in concert.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £27.50

In Conversation with Louise Minchin and Anna Deacon - Together, they’ll reflect on their shared love of cold-water swimming.
📁 Talk | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews | 🎟️ £15

Herding Cats - Four-piece band of seasoned musicians united by a shared love of music, performance, and making events unforgettable.
📁 Music | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

Bearfoot Comedy - Night of stand-up comedy.
📁 Comedy | 🕢 8pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £16.96

Sunday, 3rd May

World Hickory Golf Day: Family Learning Session - There will be opportunities for crafts and putting throughout the day for all visitors.
📁 Family | 🕢 10am | 📍 R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club - All veterans from any Arms or Services are welcome to attend and no pre-booking or formal dress code is required.
📁 Community | 🕢 10am-4pm | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park Café | 🎟️ Free

The Kingdom Classic '26 - Immerse yourself in a captivating display of vintage and classic cars.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 10am | 📍 Scottish Vintage Bus Museum | 🎟️ £7

Hoppers - Scientists have discovered how to “hop” human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals.
📁 Movie | 🕢 11am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

Fife VegFest 5 - Fantastic vegan food, drink and more...
📁 Food | 🕢 11am | 📍 The Old Kirk, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

Sunday Storycraft - Session of themed crafts and stories.
📁 Family | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Champagne Picnic Brunch Series - Step into the Winter Garden and let the festive feeling take over. Our Champagne Picnic Brunch returns but with a seasonal twist.
📁 Food | 🕢 12pm | 📍 The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews | 🎟️ £75

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

The Magic Faraway Tree - Based on the beloved The Faraway Tree series of novels for children.
📁 Movie | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5+

Craigtoun History Tours - Providing some historical context to Craigtoun from its origins as a private estate in the late 17th century to today.
📁 Tour | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park | 🎟️ Free

Monday, 4th May

Monster Pals Collage (8-12 yrs) - Create unique collage portraits using paper and other art materials.
📁 Children | 🕢 10am | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park | 🎟️ £5

Bugs and Beasties - Finger painting, paint pouring, texture rubbings, glue sticking and more.
📁 Children | 🕢 11am | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park | 🎟️ Free

Mini Eggcellent Masterpieces (3yrs+) - Explore the park in search of their hidden eggs, once discovered each egg is transformed with paint and decorations.
📁 Children | 🕢 11am | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park | 🎟️ £8

Colour Hyper Focus (13-18 yrs) - Using colour, drawing, collage, and words, participants will design a small handmade magazine.
📁 Children | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park | 🎟️ £5

Fairy Wing Decorating & Flying Workshop (3-8 yrs) - Decorate your own set of fairy wings using enchanting colours and magical details.
📁 Children | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park | 🎟️ £10

Sketchbook Making for Adults - Explore simple sketchbook-making techniques and leave with handmade sketchbooks.
📁 Art | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park | 🎟️ £15

May Day Crafternoon - A chance for families to get creative in a relaxed and informal way.
📁 Family | 🕢 2pm | 📍 R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

Multi-Day Festivals & Events

Bluebell Flower & Fairy Trail - A stunning carpet of bluebells is set to transform the grounds of Hill of Tarvit Mansion House & Garden this spring.
📅 Thu, 23rd April - Sun, 17th May | 🕢 All day | 📍 Hill of Tarvit Mansion and Gardens | 🎟️ Free

Building No.3 Dock Exhibition - An exhibition curated by the Methil Heritage Friends showcasing a huge part of the history of the local area.
📅 Wed, 8th April - Sat, 30th May | 🕢 11am-4pm | 📍 Methil Heritage Centre | 🎟️ Free

Hayley Matthews Art Exhibition: Wild! - A vibrant new collection of original paintings and prints by self-taught artist Hayley Matthews.
📅 Tue, 7th April - Thu, 25th June | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ Free

Pins and Needles Exhibition - The exhibition showcases previously unseen or rarely-seen items from the museum’s textile collection.
📅 Thu, 9th April - Sun, 23rd August | 🕢 10am-4pm (Mon-Sat) & 11am-4pm (Sun) | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Museum Admission

Living Colour: Celebrating 200 Years of the Royal Scottish Academy - Experience the incredible range of RSA artists represented in this specially curated show from OnFife’s collections.
📅 Sat, 28th March - Sat, 5th September | 🕢 10:30am-4pm (Mon-Sat) | 📍 St Andrews Museum | 🎟️ Free

Unearthed - Step back in time to where it all began in our latest family-friendly exhibition.
📅 Sat, 21st March - Sun, 6th September | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ Free

The Wemyss Ware Cat Trail - Trail of 17 large-scale Wemyss Cat sculptures, each standing over 1.7 metres tall.
📅 Sat, 25th April - Sun, 6th September | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

Dear Earth - An exhibition exploring how artists are responding to the increased fragility of the world around us.
📅 Sat, 21st March - Sun, 13th September | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Carnegie and the RSA: A Celebration of the Carnegie Travelling Scholarship - This exhibition celebrates the wide-ranging impact of the Royal Scottish Academy’s Carnegie Travelling Scholarship as part of RSA 200: Celebrating Together.
📅 Mon, 23rd March - Sun, 13th December | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum | 🎟️ Free

Kirkcaldy Boot & Mart - Indoor and outdoor market held every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday.
📅 Sat, 10th January - Wed, 16th December | 🕢 9am (Wed, Sat, & Sun) | 📍 6 Michelson Drive, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

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Cheers,

Duncan