🏥 Fife Minor Injuries Unit Faces Closure Risk

Good morning, Fifers! As February draws to a close, the Kingdom is wrapping up the month with another eventful week.

Here’s what’s coming your way:

• 🏆 Fife businesses winning big at awards

• 🎉 A call to action from Lang Toun Fest

• 🎶 An action-packed weekend of events

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

— Duncan

WEATHER

Expect cloudy days with sunshine breaking through with temperatures averaging around 7°C. Here's the forecast:

Friday: 8 🌡️ 3 | ☁️

Saturday: 8 🌡️ 2 | ☁️

Sunday: 9 🌡️ 7 | 🌤️

Monday: 10 🌡️ 7 | ☁️

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🚨 Concerns Over Cupar Minor Injuries Unit Closure

Willie Rennie, a local Liberal Democrat MSP, expressed concerns over plans to close the Cupar Minor Injuries Unit, stating it would significantly reduce services for North East Fife residents, leaving St Andrews as the only option. He highlighted the difficulty many would face due to travel challenges. Ms. Chamberlain, another local MP, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of the unit to the local community and encouraging residents to engage with the upcoming consultation. Both have requested meetings with the Health and Social Care Partnership to discuss alternative solutions.

🚧 Fife Council Defies Sepa's Objection to Housing Plans in Dunfermline

Fife Council has approved plans for 41 new homes in Dunfermline, despite objections from Sepa over potential flooding risks. The housing development, proposed by Campion Homes for affordable housing at Elgin Street, was challenged by Sepa, who raised concerns about the site being at risk of flooding due to nearby Lyne Burn. However, Fife Council planners disagreed, calling Sepa's stance "unreasonable" and the flood modelling request "onerous." Despite Sepa's objections, which included demands for further flood studies, the council believes the development will be safe, with changes like land raising and the removal of flood-prone units. The decision will now be sent to the Scottish Government for final approval.

🌳 Clean-up Efforts Continue After Storm Eowyn Hits Fife

Fife Council's grounds maintenance team is working hard to clear the aftermath of Storm Eowyn, which struck Fife on January 24, 2025, causing widespread tree damage. With over 740 requests for tree clearance, the team has completed more than 400 so far, focusing on clearing roads, paths, and stabilizing hazardous trees. John Rodigan, Head of Environment and Building Services, stated that the ongoing efforts are complex and may take several months to complete. While recovery efforts are underway, they are temporarily affecting the usual services provided.

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🎸 Dunfermline’s music scene is getting a shake-up! Mark Traynor is hosting gigs at Monarch Bar, giving young bands a platform. With packed shows and growing demand, he’s adding monthly metal and punk nights to build a real music community.

• 🍽️ A new 130-seat restaurant is coming to Dunfermline! Fife Council approved plans to transform two vacant Bruce Street buildings, led by Khushi's owner Riaz Mohammed and TRI Scotland Ltd. The project aims to boost the local economy, despite some objections.

• 📮 Dalgety Bay could see a Post Office return as Costcutter plans a new store on Moray Way North. Local councillor says the retailer is open to adding postal services, pending approval.

• 🛠️ Wickes is moving into Fife, taking over the former Homebase store at Halbeath Retail Park in Dunfermline. The store reopens under Wickes from March 3 as part of its expansion.

• 📚 SRUC will keep offering animal care courses, but future studies may require moving to another campus. Politicians are urging SRUC to reverse plans to close Elmwood’s animal care unit, citing past commitments and concerns over the site’s long-term viability.

• 🗣️ Kirkcaldy North Primary becomes Scotland’s first Language Friendly School, celebrating diverse languages and promoting inclusion. The school runs ESOL groups, language exchange clubs, and a pupil-led ambassador programme to support multilingual students.

• 💊 NHS Fife is training community pharmacies to use naloxone to save lives from opioid overdoses. The program empowers staff to recognize overdose signs and administer naloxone in emergencies.

• 🏫 St Monans Primary School in Fife won two national awards for its use of digital technology in learning, enhancing creativity and problem-solving from nursery age.

• 🏙️ Kingdom Shopping Centre in Glenrothes plans extended hours, new restaurants, and anti-social behavior measures to boost the nighttime economy and safety.

• 🚗 Councillors in North East Fife have approved road safety measures, including extending 30mph limits in Guardbridge and Leuchars, new speed limits in Springfield and Colinsburgh, and a junction for a Balmullo housing development. These changes aim to improve safety and traffic flow.

• 🏆 Play Planet Dunfermline's two venues, the Soft Play and Clubhouse, have been named joint winners in the Best Children’s Entertainment Venue category at the People’s Choice Awards. The awards, held on February 24, were voted on by the public, highlighting the venues' popularity and customer support.

• 🎬 A new filmmaking academy has launched in Dunfermline, based at Fire Station Creative. The program offers young people practical industry experience in filmmaking, including casting, scriptwriting, and editing. It aims to help participants build portfolios and gain employability skills.

AROUND FIFE

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

🎉 Lang Toun Fest: Businesses Encouraged to Join Kirkcaldy's New Summer Festival

Kirkcaldy is set to host its inaugural Lang Toun Fest this June, a month-long celebration of arts, culture, and local talent. The festival, driven by a collaborative effort of local groups, will feature diverse events, including the Festival of Ideas, a centenary of Kirkcaldy Galleries, and Fife Pride. Local businesses are encouraged to get involved by offering special promotions, themed products, or experiences, such as festival-inspired drinks and meals, to attract both locals and visitors. The event aims to boost foot traffic and showcase Kirkcaldy's vibrant community.

👑 Ravenscraig Castle Prepares for Reopening in April

Final preparations are underway to restore the eastern path, cut back vegetation, and remove scaffolding ahead of Ravenscraig Castle’s potential reopening by April. A community event is being planned in collaboration with Fife Council as part of the Welcome to Fife tourism partnership. A spokesperson emphasized the focus on preservation over restoration to maintain the site's historical authenticity. Built for King James II and home to Mary of Guelders, the castle remains a significant Scottish landmark, once open for public visits and summer events in the 1990s.

@THEFIFEINSIDER

📍 Picture by StephenBridger | 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?

✨ Spotlight Event

📍 Laurence Jones – Catch the multi-award-winning guitarist live on his 'Bad Luck & The Blues' tour, with an unforgettable night of blues-rock music.
📅 Fri, 28th February | 🕒 7:00pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £20

📍 The Skids – Punk legends The Skids are back for a huge hometown show, joined by The Armoury Show, The Filthy Tongues, and Sunstinger.
📅 Fri, 28th February | 🕒 7:00pm | 📍 Pittencreiff Park, Dunfermline | 🎟️ 35.75

📍 POJO Live Music! Harbour Bar Re-opening Weekend – Father-son duo with an acoustic twist on your favourite hits.
📅 Frid, 28th February | 🕒 7:00pm | 📍 The Harbour Bar, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Just Beatles: A Tribute to The Beatles – A spectacular tribute concert recreating the sounds of The Beatles, from the Cavern Club to the Apple Rooftop show.
📅 Fri, 28th February | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £24

📍 Christine Bovill: Piaf to Pop – A celebration of the Golden Age of French song and its evolution during the Swinging Sixties, featuring classics from Piaf, Brel, Gainsbourg, and more.
📅 Fri, 28th February | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £20

📍 Nazareth – Don't miss the legendary Scottish hard rock band Nazareth as they take the stage at Glen Pavilion in Pittencreiff Park!
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 7:00pm | 📍 Pittencreiff Park, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25

📍 Dunfermline Choral Union Spring Concert – An evening of choral music, featuring the UK premiere of Elaine Hagenberg's Illuminare and Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass.
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 The Vine Conference Centre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £16 / £14 / £5

📍 Langtoun Jazz Presents: Modern Vikings Quintet – A night of bold and emotive jazz from the Modern Vikings Quintet, fresh from their 2024 album release, Tales of the Skald.
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 8:00pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Old Kirk, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £15

📍 Open Mic (Under 21's) – Join in for an open mic afternoon for under 21's, with all ages welcome to come along and enjoy the performances.
📅 Sun, 2nd March | 🕒 3:00pm | 📍 The King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Sir Peter and the Snowdrops – An evening of blues and folk-rock classics with Sir Peter and the Snowdrops as part of the Cambo Snowdrop Festival.
📅 Sun, 2nd March | 🕒 6:00pm | 📍 Cambo House, St Andrews | 🎟️ £13.70

📍 Creedence Clearwater Revived – Enjoy the legendary hits of Creedence Clearwater Revival, brought to you by Creedence Clearwater Revived at PJ Molloys.
📅 Sun, 2nd March | 🕒 7:00pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £20

📍 The Best of Queen – The Break Free Tour – Experience the magic of Queen's greatest hits performed by the UK's biggest tribute band, Majesty, in this electrifying live show!
📅 Sun, 2nd March | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £29.50

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 Scottish Community Drama Festival – Showcase of community drama with both adult and youth companies competing for trophies and a spot in the East of Scotland Festival.
📅 Thu, 27th February - Sat, 1st March | 🕒 7:30pm (Thurs & Fri), 2:30pm & 7:30pm (Sat) | 📍 Leslie Town Hall, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £12 / £5

📍 The Testament of Gideon Mack – An exploration of grief, faith, and the supernatural through the story of a Presbyterian minister who meets the Devil.
📅 Fri, 28th February | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £20 / £18

📍 Girls’ Night OOT! – A fun-filled hen night with a retro soundtrack featuring classic hits like Hot Stuff, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and I’m Every Woman.
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £24.00

📍 Swan Lake – Watch the Royal Ballet’s timeless tale of love, treachery, and forgiveness as Prince Siegfried and Odette’s fates unfold.
📅 Sun, 2nd March | 🕒 2:00pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £20.00 / £15.00 / £10.00

📍 Moghimian Arts: Define Us – Join the talented kiddos at The Alhambra Theatre for their highly anticipated annual dance show, "Define Us."
📅 Sun, 2nd March | 🕒 7:00pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £18

🎬 Entertainment

📍 Why Not Scotland? A Story of Nature Recovery Across Europe – A journey around Europe, discovering inspiring stories of nature making a comeback.
📅 Fri, 28th February | 🕒 7:00pm | 📍 The Institute, 9 Shore Road, Aberdour | 🎟️ Free

📍 Gary Meikle: Neurospicy – Join Scottish comedy award winner Gary Meikle for a hilarious, insightful show about his neurodivergent journey.
📅 Fri, 28th February | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £22.50

📍 Power in Our Hands – A documentary exploring the Deaf community’s fight for civil rights and their right to be heard through archival footage and contemporary interviews.
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 2:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5.00

📍 Talk: Gaelic Songs in Fife and The Herring Gutters – Join Meg Hyland to explore the Gaelic songs sung by herring gutters and the musical exchanges within the fishing industry.
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 4:00pm | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

📍 Charity Ceilidh Night – Dance the night away with the Ragin Ceilidh Band and friends, all for a good cause. Enjoy a licensed bar and accessible venue.
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Falkland Community Hall, Falkland | 🎟️ £10 / £6

📍 Bearfoot Comedy – Enjoy an evening of stand-up comedy with Bearfoot Comedy Club at The King's Live Lounge in Kirkcaldy.
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Kings Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £15

📍 Let's Talk About Chocolate – Discover the health benefits of dark chocolate and enjoy a chocolate tasting session with Vivian Maeda.
📅 Sun, 2nd March | 🕒 4:30pm | 📍 That Place In The Bay, Dalgety Bay | 🎟️ £25.63

📍 Anster Cinema: The Outrun – Watch the powerful drama The Outrun, starring Saoirse Ronan, as she returns to the Orkney Islands on a life-changing journey of recovery.
📅 Sun, 2nd March | 🕒 6:45pm | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £6 / £3

📍 Marjolein Robertson: O – A powerful and hilarious stand-up show by Marjolein Robertson, delving into menstrual health with humor and a Shetland folktale.
📅 Sun, 2nd March | 🕒 8:00pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £15.00

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

📍 Teasses Estate Snowdrop Walk – Wander through candlelit gardens blanketed in snowdrops for a serene and magical evening.
📅 Fri, 21st February to Fri, 28th February | 🕒 4:00pm | 📍 Teasses Estate, Leven | 🎟️ £30 per car

📍 British Sign Language (BSL) Culture Day – Fife’s first-ever BSL Culture Day with a celebration of Deaf culture, language, and community, featuring workshops, exhibitions, and screenings.
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 11:00am - 4:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 March Music Madness – Explore the world of music through free workshops at the Lochgelly Centre!
📅 Sat, 1st - 29th March | 🕒 10:30am | 📍 Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly | 🎟️ Free

📍 World Book Day Harry Potter Lego Den – Celebrate World Book Day with some magical Lego fun! Build awesome Harry Potter Lego sets at Cowdenbeath Library.
📅 Mon, 3rd March | 🕒 3:30pm | 📍 Cowdenbeath Library, Cowdenbeath | 🎟️ Free

🥗 Food & Drink

📍 South Street Market – Explore independent producers, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and more, with a focus on sustainability.
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 10:00am - 2:00pm | 📍 South Street, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Art

📍 Life Drawing Anstruther – A friendly, untutored life drawing group for artists of all levels.
📅 Fri, 28th February | 🕒 6:45pm | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £7

📍 Design Suite Workshop: Jewellery Making – Create your own bespoke silver ring using jewellers' wax and professional tools in this hands-on workshop.
📅 Sat, 1st March | 🕒 11:00am - 1:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £95

📍 Clay Village Ceramic Tealight Houses Workshop – Experience the therapeutic benefits of working with clay and create your own ceramic tealight house.
📅 Sun, 2nd March | 🕒 1:00pm | 📍 Deborah Cameron Creative Artist Studio, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £68

SPORTS

Fixtures

⚽ Dunfermline Athletic vs Greenock Morton
📅 Sat, 1 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Queen of the South vs Kelty Hearts
📅 Sat, 1 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 1

⚽ Raith Rovers vs Queen’s Park
📅 Sat, 1 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Stirling Albion vs East Fife
📅 Sat, 1 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 2

🏉 Kirkcaldy vs Berwick
📅 Sat, 1 March | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 National League Division 2

🏒 Cardiff Devils vs Fife Flyers
📅 Sat, 1 March | 🕒 19:00 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

🏒 Fife Flyers vs Nottingham Panthers
📅 Sun, 2 March | 🕒 17:15 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

Results

⚽ Hamilton Academical 1-0 Dunfermline Athletic - disappointing night away from for the pars with a second-half goal sealing the result.
📅 Tue, 25 February | 🕒 19:45 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Arbroath 2-1 Kelty Hearts - despite pulling back level late in the second half, Arbroath managed to clinch victory with a goal in the 80th minute.
📅 Tue, 25 February | 🕒 19:45 | 🏆 League 1

⚽ Airdrieonians 1-0 Raith Rovers - an unexpected victory for the bottom of the table Airdrieonians with Raith Rovers showing little threat.
📅 Tue, 25 February | 🕒 19:45 | 🏆 Championship

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!