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π§ Fife Pub Named Best in Scotland
PLUS: 79 Events to See This Weekend, Major Train Works to Impact Fifers, and more!
Good morning, Fifers, and Happy Halloween! In Tuesdayβs newsletter, I asked what you thought of Fife Councilβs call for more power. The responses were fascinating, with many readers expressing concerns about how any extra funding might be spent. Overall, there was general support, with 55% in favour, 35% against, and the rest unsure.
Hereβs whatβs coming your way today:
Major Train Works to Impact Fifers
Fife Pub Named Best in Scotland
79 Events to See This Weekend
Letβs jump in, thereβs plenty to talk about!
β Duncan
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TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM
π Major Train Works to Impact Fifers

Back in the summer, Network Rail announced plans to electrify the Fife rail network as part of the Scottish Government's decarbonisation strategy. Now, those plans look set to begin being implemented with Network Rail announcing some major works towards the end of January.
The works are expected to stretch over a 9-day period between January 17th and 25th. During this time, essential electrification works will take place between Haymarket and Dalmeny. Due to the location of the work, virtually all train services operating from Fife to Edinburgh will see significant disruptions throughout this period.
Rail replacement buses and alternative rail routes have been agreed with the train operating companies, though specific details on alternative transport plans will be provided in the coming weeks. Network Rail will also use the closure period to undertake important track re-railing work, helping to reduce future travel disruption. You can see the full announcement from Network Rail here.
Will you be impacted by these works? |
LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW
β³ The Old Course at St Andrews is set to be lengthened by a further 132 yards as part of a revamp before it hosts the Open Championship in 2027.
π Fife Collegeβs brand new Dunfermline City Campus has officially opened with students walking through the doors for the first time on October 30th.
π° A Β£30,000 project will transform Abbot House into a new visitor centre and learning suite celebrating Dunfermlineβs medieval heritage. The centre will feature themed rooms, digital storytelling, and sensory experiences.
π ExxonMobil has been fined Β£176,000 after pleading guilty to flaring emission breaches in April 2019 at their Mossmorran chemical plant in Fife.
π Work has begun on a new Β£150,000 play area in Cowdenbeath Public Park. Over 170 people took part in the consultation and the final design, with the park expected to open in early December.
ποΈ West Sands Beach in St Andrews has been named the best beach in Scotland to visit this Autumn by outdoor brand Millets. With an average autumn temperature of 7.1Β°C and an average rainfall of 79mm, the beach scored 8.71/10 in the ranking.
π³οΈ Following the resignation of Councillor Julie Ford, a by-election is to be held in Glenrothes West and Kinglassie on January 22nd.
π¨ A Β£10,250 project will transform Dunfermline City Stationβs underpass into a safer, cleaner and more welcoming gateway through creative design and community collaboration.
π₯ Police Scotland have confiscated around 1,000 kg of fireworks worth Β£42,000 in Rosyth, believed to be intended for causing disorder in Edinburgh.
π΅ Four weeks into the new pavement parking ban, Fife Council has revealed that they have, so far, handed out 193 fines.
FEATURE OF THE WEEK
Each week, this section shines a spotlight on something standout in Fife, anything from a unique home for sale or a new local business, to an exciting upcoming event or a hidden gem staycation spot. Got something you think other locals should know about? Just hit reply to this email and tell us about it!
πΊ Fife Pub Named Best in Scotland

The Good Food Guide has just announced its inaugural list of the 100 Best Pubs in the UK, and it was a stellar year for Fife. The Kinneuchar Inn in Kilconquhar has been crowned Scotland's best pub and ranked an impressive 2nd overall across the entire UK, beaten only by The Highland Laddie in Leeds.
Of course, the Kinneuchar Inn is already well known here in Fife for its exceptional food, with the establishment featuring in the Michelin Guide and winning Best Local Restaurant in Scotland 2023. But it's always great to see further recognition for a local business, particularly on this scale.
The 17th-century inn, located in the East Neuk just north of Elie and Earlsferry, impressed judges with its daily-changing menu based on ingredients sourced from the nearby Balcaskie Estate. The inn also hosts regular events, such as their popular Supper Club, which sees guest chefs take over the kitchen for a night. The next one is on November 9th, grab your tickets here!
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WHATβS 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.
β Featured Events
The Big Green Market - Monthly pre-loved market run by volunteers with funds donated to local community groups. We only offer items that are in excellent condition for sale, including everything from clothing and accessories, homewares and sporting goods, books, toys, jigsaws and games. We also sell seasonal plants and PAT-tested electricals.
π
Fri, 31st October & Sat, 1st November | π 12pm-4pm (Fri) & 10am-1pm (Sat) | π Burntisland Parish Church Hall | ποΈ Free
π More details here
Kirkcaldy Men's Shed Christmas Fayre - Everything being sold is handmade at our Shed, and the proceeds go back into the Shed to help keep us open. So come along and grab yourself a handmade Christmas decoration or a gift for someone, and help a local charity!
π
Sat, 1st November | π’ 10am-2pm | π The Pavillion, Ravenscraig Park | ποΈ Free
An Evening of Scottish Entertainment - Get ready for a night filled with traditional music, dance, and laughter. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Scotland as we showcase talented performers from the local community with King Creosote at the top of the bill! All performers have given up their time to perform free of charge, with all profits to be donated to local charities or groups requiring support.
π
Fri, 14th November | π’ 7pm-10:15pm | π St Andrews Town Hall | ποΈ Β£11 adults/Β£5.50 students & children
π Book your tickets
Interested in featuring your event here? β¬οΈ Reply to this email and let us know!
π Friday, 31st October
Pup-kin Patch - Bring your furry friends to our special dog-friendly event where your pup can pick their very own autumn-themed toy.
π Family & Children | π’ 9am | π Dobbies Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£12.50
Artisan Fridays Market - A lively weekly food market offering hot & cold food on Kirkcaldy High Street.
π Markets | π’ 9am | π Kirkcaldy High Street | ποΈ Free
Creative Craft Club For Adults - Come and enjoy a regular Friday morning of creativity.
π Art | π’ 10am | π Letham Village Hall | ποΈ Β£13.50
Enchanted Halloween Nature Connection Experience - Get ready to immerse yourself in a magical nature connection experience.
π Entertainment | π’ 10am | π Blairadam Forest | ποΈ Β£11.55
Little Niblicks: Colours - Bring along your baby or toddler to enjoy the sights and sounds of the museum.
π Family & Children | π’ 11am | π The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | ποΈ Free
The Ancient Oak of Baldor - A multi-sensory experience for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their companions.
π Entertainment | π’ 11am & 1:30pm | π Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | ποΈ Β£12
Big Green Market - Monthly pre-loved market dedicated to reducing waste and supporting the local community.
π Markets | π’ 12pm | π Burntisland Parish Church Hall | ποΈ Free
A Brush with the Supernatural - Guided Tour of the Castle exploring the darker times of history the property has stood through.
π Tour | π’ 4pm | π Kellie Castle | ποΈ Β£14.88
Enchanted Samhain Nature Connection Experience - Step into the magic of spooky season with a mindful nature immersion.
π Entertainment | π’ 4pm | π 22 Maygate, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£22.38
Boo-tanic Fright Night - Featuring a torchlit storytelling tour from Sheila Kinninmonth, and traditional Scottish spooky games and activities.
π Entertainment | π’ 6pm | π St Andrews Botanic Garden | ποΈ Β£15
St Andrews: The Dark Side Walking Tour - Uncover St Andrews' deepest secrets and darkest skeletons on this 1.5 hour tour.
π Tour | π’ 6:30pm & 8:30pm | π Martyrβs Monument, St Andrews | ποΈ Β£15
Life Drawing - Artists of all levels welcome, from those established to those just curious to try life drawing or starting out.
π Art | π’ 6:45pm | π Dreel Halls, Anstruther | ποΈ Β£7
Soul Station - Resident DJ Martin Duffy keeps us entertained, so bring your dancing shoes.
π Music | π’ 7pm | π Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£9.38
The Thing - A 12 man research team at a remote Antarctic research station discovers an alien that has been buried in the snow for over 100,000 years.
π Movie | π’ 7pm | π Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£5+
The Songs of Stuart Adamson - A very special union of 4 of the finest musicians performing the ultimate acoustic homage to the Late Great Stuart Adamson.
π Music | π’ 7pm | π Backstage at the Green, Kinross | ποΈ Β£44
Sinister - Supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson.
π Movie | π’ 7pm | π King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | ποΈ Β£3
Cowboy Hunters - Punk band from Glasgow known for their chaotic, humorous, and energetic live shows.
π Music | π’ 7pm | π PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£11
Face Your Fears - Unforgettable after-dark experience at Fife Zoo this Halloween!
π Entertainment | π’ 7pm | π Fife Zoo | ποΈ Β£20
Fife Fury Halloween Roller Disco - Family-friendly skating, spooky tunes, and costume prizes-all to support Fife Fury Hockey!
π Family & Children | π’ 7pm | π Roller Hub UK, Kirkcaldy | ποΈ Β£8
T.Rextasy - The Ultimate Tribute to Marc Bolan & T.Rex
π Music | π’ 7:30pm | π Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | ποΈ Β£31.50
Blood Brothers - The original and non-musical play version of Willy Russellβs Blood Brothers.
π Theatre | π’ 7:30pm | π Leslie Town Hall | ποΈ Β£15.18
The Rocky Horror Picture Show - The annual production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the Byre stage.
π Theatre | π’ 8pm | π Byre Theatre, St Andrews | ποΈ Β£11+
3's A Crowd Halloween Party - An evening of creepy fun, laughter & banging live music... Fancy dress is encouraged!!
π Music | π’ 8pm | π Duchess of Kirkcaldy | ποΈ Β£9.38
π Saturday, 1st November
Pup-kin Patch - Bring your furry friends to our special dog-friendly event where your pup can pick their very own autumn-themed toy.
π Family & Children | π’ 9am | π Dobbies Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£12.50
Community Tree Planting - Come and help us grow Fife Climate Forest by helping us plant trees in North Queensferry.
π Volunteering | π’ 10am | π North Queensferry Community Centre | ποΈ Free
Big Green Market - Monthly pre-loved market dedicated to reducing waste and supporting the local community.
π Markets | π’ 10am | π Burntisland Parish Church Hall | ποΈ Free
Kirkcaldy Men's Shed Christmas Fayre - Come along and grab yourself a handmade Christmas decoration or a gift for someone, and help a local charity.
π Markets | π’ 10am | π The Pavillion, Ravenscraig Park | ποΈ Free
Feta, Halloumi and Mascarpone Masterclass - Step into the world of artisanal cheesemaking in this hands-on workshop led by cheesemaker Kristen Allan.
π Food | π’ 10am | π Bowhouse, St Monans | ποΈ Β£130.67
East Neuk Open Studios - Annual Christmas arts and crafts market.
π Markets | π’ 10am | π Bowhouse, St Monans | ποΈ Free
St Andrews Market - Independent producers and creatives, fresh produce and food, handmade crafts, and more.
π Markets | π’ 10am | π South Street, St Andrews | ποΈ Free
November Truck Meet - All are welcome either to drive, spectate or chat.
π Entertainment | π’ 10am | π Parkgate Community Centre, Rosyth | ποΈ Β£5+
Mosses, Lichens, and Liverworts - Join us for a walk to learn about mosses, lichens and liverworts and their importance in stabilisation of dune systems.
π Talk | π’ 10:30am | π Kinshaldy Beach Car Park, Tentsmuir Forest | ποΈ Free
Great British Beach Clean - The Museumβs annual beach clean at Castle Street Beach.
π Family & Children | π’ 12pm | π Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | ποΈ Free
Gifts from the Land: Paper Making and Creative Writing - Relaxed and creative afternoon of papermaking and writing with Christina Riley.
π Art | π’ 12pm | π St Andrews Botanic Garden | ποΈ Β£65
Live-Action & Fireworks Spectacular - Unforgettable day of family fun and excitement with races, our annual Bonfire, and Fireworks Spectacular!
π Family & Children | π’ 1pm | π Knockhill | ποΈ Β£20
Punk In The Pit!!! - A day of great punk music.
π Music | π’ 2pm | π The White Gates, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£11.25
Blood Brothers - The original and non-musical play version of Willy Russellβs Blood Brothers.
π Theatre | π’ 2:30pm & 7:30pm | π Leslie Town Hall | ποΈ Β£15.18
Samhain - Celebrate the Celtic festival of Samhain. This year, weβll be getting cosy with the small things that nourish us through the darker months of the year.
π Entertainment | π’ 3pm | π Forgan Arts Centre | ποΈ Β£5+
The Rocky Horror Picture Show - The annual production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the Byre stage.
π Theatre | π’ 4pm & 8pm | π Byre Theatre, St Andrews | ποΈ Β£11+
Van Bangers Scottish Championship and Fireworks - Van Bangers Scottish Championship, CC Rods Scottish Championship, Fireworks, and more.
π Sport | π’ 5pm | π Lochgelly Raceway | ποΈ Β£15
Late Night Leven - Businesses across Leven town centre are staying open late to encourage locals to shop locally and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
π Shopping | π 6pm | π Leven Town Centre | ποΈ Free
St Andrews: The Dark Side Walking Tour - Uncover St Andrews' deepest secrets and darkest skeletons on this 1.5 hour tour.
π Tour | π’ 6:30pm & 8:30pm | π Martyrβs Monument, St Andrews | ποΈ Β£15
Cupar Fireworks Display - Annual firework display.
π Family & Children | π’ 6:30pm | π Cupar Golf Club | ποΈ Β£2.50
The Songs of Stuart Adamson - A very special union of 4 of the finest musicians performing the ultimate acoustic homage to the Late Great Stuart Adamson.
π Music | π’ 7pm | π Backstage at the Green, Kinross | ποΈ Β£44
Swan Lake by Youth Ballet Scotland - Breathtaking performance of one of the worldβs most beloved ballets.
π Stage | π’ 7pm | π Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£18
The Dirt - With support from Big Issues, The Holy Drinkers, and Buzzkill.
π Music | π’ 7pm | π McQ's @ Coadys, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£11.25
Bearfoot Comedy - Night of stand up comedy.
π Comedy | π’ 7pm | π King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | ποΈ Β£16.96
Murder at the Manor - Come along and look for clues, interpret evidence and help the police to find the murderer!
π Entertainment | π’ 7pm | π Barty's, Kirkcaldy | ποΈ Β£16
Face Your Fears - Unforgettable after-dark experience at Fife Zoo this Halloween!
π Entertainment | π’ 7pm | π Fife Zoo | ποΈ Β£20
The Sound Of Springsteen - Experience the pure rock βnβ roll euphoria of Bruce Springsteen as this outstanding show.
π Music | π’ 7:30pm | π Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£29.50
Psychic Evening - The mediums are John Mack, Pauline Cook, Sandra Birrell, and Kenny Farrell.
π Entertainment | π’ 7:30pm | π Hill Of Beath Ex Servicemans Club | ποΈ Β£15
UK Pink Floyd Experience - Spectacular new show featuring world-class musicians, a stunning light display, and over two hours of iconic Pink Floyd music.
π Music | π’ 7:30pm | π Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | ποΈ Β£27
50 Years of Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra - Join us for a celebration featuring past members who are now professional musicians, as well as the current band.
π Music | π’ 7:30pm | π Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | ποΈ Β£12+
Jamie Adamson and John Muir Jr - Acoustic guitarists performing originals and covers.
π Music | π’ 8pm | π Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | ποΈ Free
Forgan's St Andrews Ceilidh - Head to Forganβs and experience one of our unforgettable ceilidhs.
π Entertainment | π’ 10pm | π Forgans St Andrews | ποΈ Β£5
π Sunday, 2nd November
East Neuk Open Studios - Annual Christmas arts and crafts market.
π Markets | π’ 10am | π Bowhouse, St Monans | ποΈ Free
Blebo Crafters Market - Mulled cider & shortbread on offer as well as 10 varied craft stalls and free parking at the village hall.
π Markets | π’ 11am | π Blebocraigs Village Hall | ποΈ Free
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of The Were-Rabbit - Oscar-winning claymation about the chase for a giant rabbit terrorising a townβs allotments and vegetable patches.
π Movie | π’ 11am | π Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£5+
Culross Community Market - Enjoy a fantastic day of local shopping, delicious food, and live music.
π Markets | π’ 12pm | π Culross Green | ποΈ Free
Sunday Storycraft - Session of themed crafts and stories.
π Family | π’ 12:30pm | π Kirkcaldy Galleries | ποΈ Free
Orange Claw Hammer - Orange Claw Hammer take the music of Captain Beefheart & the Magic Band and bend it into shape for the 21st century.
π Music | π’ 1pm | π Backstage at the Green, Kinross | ποΈ Β£24.20
The Birds - Chaos is unleashed as a seemingly ordinary flock of birds turns into a source of dread.
π Movie | π’ 1:30pm | π Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£5+
Jaws - A giant white shark fatally attacks swimmers on the shores of Amity Island.
π Movie | π’ 2pm | π King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | ποΈ Β£3
Storytime with Kipper - Join Kipper for a story, play and craft session in our atmospheric Zulu Gallery.
π Family & Children | π’ 2pm | π Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | ποΈ Free
Swan Lake by Youth Ballet Scotland - Breathtaking performance of one of the worldβs most beloved ballets.
π Stage | π’ 2:30pm | π Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£18
Burntisland Fireworks & Bonfire Night - Come and enjoy an a amzing firework display and bonfire with entertainment too!
π Family & Children | π’ 5:15pm | π Burntisland Links | ποΈ Donations
A Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated - An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and cinemaβs most iconic music with a live chamber orchestra illuminated by light!
π Music | π’ 6pm | π Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£38.15+
Jurassic World Rebirth - Action-packed new chapter sees an extraction team race to the most dangerous place on Earth.
π Movie | π’ 6:45pm | π Dreel Halls, Anstruther | ποΈ Β£6
Kings of Marigold - Beatles tribute band.
π Music | π’ 8pm | π Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | ποΈ Β£7.21
π Monday, 3rd November
Working Title Presents Sarah Thomson - Inspiring evening with Sarah Thomson, founder of award-winning Fife-based business Och Aye Canoe.
π Talk | π’ 5:30pm | π Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, Dunfermline | ποΈ Donations
π Multi-Day Events & Exhibitions
Falkland Palaceβs Halloween Trail - Explore the spooky Halloween Trail at Falkland Palace, itβs the perfect family day out.
π
Mon, 6th - Fri, 31st October | π’ Varies | π Falkland Palace | ποΈ Β£3
Pumpkin Picking - There will be 20,000 pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and colours.
π
Sat, 4th - Fri, 31st October | π’ 10am & 1pm | π Cairnie Fruit Farm | ποΈ Β£1.50
Pumpkin Patch - Come along with pay as you please entry, pick your favourite ones, and visit the carving bunker and create your fiendish masterpiece!
π
Sat, 11th - Fri, 31st October | π’ 10am | π Scottish Deer Centre | ποΈ Donations
Roads To Success - Artworks of patients and service users with the hope of raising awareness of the benefits creative arts can have on our wellbeing.
π
Wed, 8th October - Sat, 1st November | π’ Varies | π Lochgelly Centre | ποΈ Free
Flotsam - Finnish artist Riikka Palonenβs work magnificently reflects her immersion in the natural world and the cycles within it.
π
Wed, 1st October - Sun, 2nd November | π’ Varies | π Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | ποΈ Museum Entry
Steaming Ahead: How the Railways Changed the Fish We Eat - Take the opportunity to look at the impacts of steam railways on the fishing industry.
π
Fri, 19th September - Mon, 10th November | π’ Varies | π Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | ποΈ Museum Entry
Collecting the Contemporary: Scottish Art at Kirkcaldy Galleries - This display features works by modern and contemporary painters who were inspired by Scotland.
π
Fri, 31st January - Wed, 31st December | π’ 10am | π Kirkcaldy Galleries | ποΈ Free
Jack Vettriano Exhibition 2025 - Collection of Jack Vettriano prints, including rare and sold-out pieces.
π
Tue, 4th March - Thu, 15th January 2026 | π’ 10am | π Affordable Arts, Methil | ποΈ Free
From These Parts: Scotland, Art and Identity - Special preview evening filled with live music, drinks, and creative activities.
π
Sat, 18th October - Sun, 15th February 2026 | π’ 10am | π Wardlaw Museum | ποΈ Free
Bunker Shots: Stories of Golf and Conflict - Surprising connections between golf and conflict, including the impact on golfers and their equipment.
π
Fri, 18th April - Tue, 31st March 2026 | π’ 9:15am | π The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | ποΈ Β£17.50
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THANKS FOR READING
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Cheers,
Duncan
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