💥 Fife Michelin Star Restaurant Hits the Market

Good morning, Fifers! From trouble at the Fife Derby to good news on apprenticeships, a lot has happened in the Kingdom since our last update.

Here’s what’s coming your way:

• 🎒 New initiatives to tackle school absenteeism

• 🍽️ Fife’s Michelin-starred gem is now up for sale

• 💼 Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits Babcock Rosyth

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

— Duncan

WEATHER

The sun is out again this week but overnight frost is expected to continue. Here's the forecast:

Tuesday: 7 🌡️ -2 | ☀️

Wednesday: 8 🌡️ -1 | 🌤️

Thursday: 11 🌡️ 3 | 🌤️

Friday: 12 🌡️ 6 | ☁️

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🎒 Fife Council Steps Up Efforts to Tackle School Absenteeism

Last year’s school attendance rate was 89.6%, aligning with national trends, while persistent absenteeism saw a slight improvement from 34.7% to 34.2%. However, these figures remain concerning, prompting Fife Council to enhance support schemes aimed at boosting attendance. Initiatives include tailored interventions, a more engaging curriculum, mental health programs, and family outreach efforts. Additionally, the upcoming Transforming Learning strategy will equip P6-S6 pupils with 1-1 devices, aiming to reduce barriers to attendance and promote educational equity.

🔧 Dunfermline MSP Hails 'Huge Increase' in Fife Apprenticeships

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville has praised funding that has made Fife one of Scotland’s top regions for apprenticeships, with 2,765 apprentices in training at the end of last year. This is part of 39,589 Modern Apprenticeships across Scotland, an increase of almost 21,000 since 2021. The SNP's Scottish Budget has allocated £100 million for Modern and Foundation Apprenticeships in 2025-26. Somerville highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in providing young people with key skills and high-quality career pathways, emphasizing the SNP’s commitment to expanding opportunities.

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🍽️ Fife’s Michelin-starred Peat Inn up for sale after nearly 20 years under its current owners. The award-winning restaurant, known for its fine dining and luxury guest rooms, has retained its Michelin Star in 2025. The sale offers a rare chance to own one of Scotland’s most celebrated dining venues.

• 🍛 Fife exhibition revives public diners' history and asks if they could return. Runs at Rothes Halls until April 5, with a public supper in Kirkcaldy on March 25.

• 🚉 MP calls for Cowdenbeath station upgrade Melanie Ward urges urgent accessibility improvements, citing steep ramps, lack of disabled parking, and poor facilities. Network Rail acknowledges issues, with discussions ongoing.

• 🏘️ Lochgelly opposes new housing plan The Community Council argues the town lacks the infrastructure to support more homes and calls for alternative development proposals.

• 🎓 Pittsburgh business students visit Fife College. The group explored Dunfermline's Carnegie heritage and engaged in a panel on Fife's business landscape. The visit highlights international ties and the region's economic growth. Fife College celebrates its 125th anniversary through global partnerships.

• 💪 Gym plan for former garage in St Andrews. Kirsty Roberts, owner of The Pink Side Health & Fitness, aims to convert a vacant unit into a fitness gym with freestanding equipment. The gym will focus on functional movements and small-group training.

• 💼 Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits Babcock Rosyth to announce a £2bn boost for UK defence spending. The increase in UKEF lending capacity aims to enhance defence exports, create jobs, and drive economic growth, supporting UK exporters and strengthening supply chains.

• 🏥 MP Graeme Downie calls for action on the delayed Kincardine Health Centre. He urges Health Minister Neil Gray to deliver on the long-promised facility, citing increased UK funding as justification for moving forward. The Scottish Government blames inflation and funding cuts for the delay.

• ⚽ Six charged after Fife Derby between Dunfermline Athletic and Raith Rovers. Four young males were charged with possessing pyrotechnics, while two others faced charges for possessing a weapon, pyrotechnic, and alcohol. Reports will be submitted to authorities.

• 🏨 Scottish Government asked to rule on ‘unviable’ conditions for St Andrews hotel and student accommodation. Robertson Properties appeals to remove requirement for hotel operator before student rooms are occupied, citing lack of investor interest and high costs.

• 🏬 Lidl in talks for new 1,336 sq. m shop in Leven. The supermarket is negotiating with Pfaudler over land near Sainsbury’s, planning to move from Mitchell Street. The new store would feature five aisles and 126 parking spaces, aiming to strengthen retail in the area.

AROUND FIFE

Each week, we highlight interesting places, hidden gems, and local experiences to explore.

🎭 St Andrews University’s Community Fund Now Open to All Groups in Fife

The University of St Andrews has launched the latest round of its Community Fund, inviting groups across Fife to apply for grants ranging from £250 to £3,000. Since its inception five years ago, the fund has awarded over £280,000 to 180+ projects, supporting charities, sports teams, environmental initiatives, cultural groups, and social enterprises. Past Beneficiaries Include:

• Kirkcaldy Rugby Club’s women & girls' team (£2,700)

• Quinn’s Boxing Club in Springfield (£1,000 for new gear)

• Milton & Coaltown Community Council (£1,500 for community picnic tables)

• Fife Coastal Path Safety Markers Project (£3,000)

• Stellar Quines feminist theatre company (£1,375 for a youth theatre group)

📢 Applications are now open! The fund supports projects that enhance community engagement, diversity, sustainability, and local heritage.

🏆 Kirkcaldy & Central Fife Sports Awards Celebrate Local Sporting Heroes

Paralympic gold medalist Ben Sandilands, who set a world record (3:45.40) in the T20 1500m final in Paris, was crowned Sports Personality of the Year at the Kirkcaldy & Central Fife Sports Council Awards on Thursday night. Other winners included:

🏅 Sports Personality of the Year – Ben Sandilands (Paralympic 1500m champion)
🏅 Fife Shopmobility Para Athlete Award – Ben Sandilands
🏅 Junior Award – Cody Fong (World Juvenile Championships dancer)
🏅 Youth Award – Holly Ovens (Scottish U20 400m champion)
🏅 Youth Volunteer Award – Keira Lessels (basketball, rugby & football coaching)
🏅 Junior/Youth Team Award – Fins Competitive Swim Club
🏅 Senior Award – Mika Bosphore-Ward (British & international ice skating champion)
🏅 Senior Team Award – Glenrothes Strollers para football team
🏅 Coach of the Year – Ally Jack (Scottish Volleyball)
🏅 Service to Sport Award – Anna Tizzard (Glenrothes Amateur Swimming Club)
🏅 Club of the Year – Fins Competitive Swimming Club

@THEFIFEINSIDER

📍 Picture by Casman | Location: 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

🎶 Live Music & Concerts

📍 The Tony Stace Show – Kick off the 2025 season with the Tony Stace Show, featuring a wide variety of music from the 1960s to now, along with Big Band, Latin, Country, and Classical tunes on electronic instruments.
📅 Wed, 19th March | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Salvation Army Community Church, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £10

📍 The Shoregate Session Nights – Enjoy a traditional session night at The Shoregate in Crail, featuring everything from traditional tunes to modern songs. Bring an instrument, a song, or just yourself!
📅 Wed, 19th March | 🕗 8:00pm | 📍 The Shoregate, Crail | 🎟️ Free

📍 Carl Marah of Logans Close Solo Acoustic Live! – Enjoy a night of acoustic music featuring Carl Marah of Logans Close, performing his new single and album "Siren Song", along with James Low’s original songs.
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕣 8:30pm | 📍 The Harbour Bar, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 An Evening of Burlesque – Experience a glamorous night of cabaret, burlesque, and world-class entertainment with dazzling showgirls, comedians, and fabulous costumes.
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £33

🎬 Entertainment

📍 Welcome to the Eco-Museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes – Join Aileen McFarlan and Catherine Mills for a fascinating virtual journey exploring Scotland's industrial mining heritage through community-created landscapes.
📅 Wed, 19th March | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Carnegie Lectures: Serious Minds – Join Lord Bruce as he delves into the history of the early Trustees of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust in this insightful lecture.
📅 Wed, 19th March | 🕡 6:30pm | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ £5

📍 Fife Climate Hub Gathering – Celebrate the second year of the Fife Climate Hub, focusing on strengthening community resilience to climate and ecological challenges. Hear from experts, network, and explore community-driven solutions to climate change.
📅 Thu, 20th March | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Oyster Citizen Science - North Queensferry – Join the Restoration Forth team to learn how to contribute to oyster restoration in the Firth of Forth through citizen science. Identify oyster shells and beach habitats, helping to restore marine life in the area.
📅 Thu, 20th March | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Lions Head Well, North Queensferry | 🎟️ Free

📍 Wicked (Sing-a-long) – Join us for a fun sing-a-long screening of the beloved musical Wicked, where you can belt out your favourite tunes.
📅 Thu, 20th March | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 The King's, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £3

📍 Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – The fourth installment of the Bridget Jones saga! Watch Bridget navigate life as a widow and single mum while juggling relationships.
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 Katherine Ryan: Battleaxe – Join Katherine Ryan for a hilarious night of comedy with her brand-new live show, Battleaxe, showcasing her sharp wit and storytelling.
📅 Thu, 20th March | 🕗 8:00pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £27.50

📍 Spring Equinox Holistic Fayre – Celebrate the vibrant energy of Spring with healings, readings, talks, workshops, and a marketplace full of unique items.
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕕 6:00pm – 10:00pm | 📍 The King's, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5 at the door

📍 Glamrock – Get your Glamrock on with a 3-course dinner followed by a themed disco at Garvock House Hotel. Dress to impress for a chance to win a prize for the best-dressed couple!
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Garvock House Hotel, Culross | 🎟️ £38.50

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

🥗 Food & Drink

📍 St Andrews Cocktail Week 2025 – Enjoy discounted cocktails, meals, and exclusive offers across St Andrews while supporting local businesses.
📅 Fri, 14th - Sun, 23rd March | 🕛 12:00pm | 📍 St Andrews | 🎟️ £12.95

📍 Artisan Fridays Market – Enjoy a weekly hot and cold food market every Friday on Kirkcaldy High Street, bringing a fresh and vibrant atmosphere with great local food.
📅 Fri, 21st March | 🕘 9:00am | 📍 Kirkcaldy High Street, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Art

📍 Jack Vettriano Exhibition 2025 – A stunning collection of Jack Vettriano prints, including rare and sold-out pieces, at Affordable Arts!
📅 Tue, 4th Mar - Tue, 28th October | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Affordable Arts, Methil | 🎟️ 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 2025 | 🕙 Various times | 📍 Carnegie Library & Galleries, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Drawing Workshop: Pam Thompson – Join Pam Thompson for a fun, instructional workshop where you'll learn to draw a glass of gin and a lemon using artist-quality coloured pencils. All materials provided.
📅 Thu, 20th March | 🕐 1:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.33

SPORTS

Fixtures

⚽ Partick Thistle vs Raith Rovers
📅 Fri, 21 March | 🕒 19:45 | 🏆 Championship

Results

⚽ Raith Rovers 2-0 Dunfermline Athletic
📅 Fri, 14 March | 🕒 19:45 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Stenhousemuir 0-0 Kelty Hearts
📅 Sat, 15 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 1

⚽ East Fife 0-3 Stranraer
📅 Sat, 15 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 2

🏒 Fife Flyers 3-4 Belfast Giants
📅 Sat, 15 March | 🕒 19:15 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

🏒 Nottingham Panthers 9-3 Fife Flyers
📅 Sun, 16 March | 🕒 16:00 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

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!