🧭 Fife’s Fairway Fortune

Good morning, Fifers! In Tuesday’s newsletter, we asked if you’d use a new ferry service between Rosyth and Dunkirk, and the response was fantastic, with over 400 people voting. Of those, an impressive 96.63% said they would use it. Here’s hoping it becomes a reality so none of us are left disappointed!

Here’s what else is coming your way today:

• Fife College Faces £1.3 Million Funding Cut

• Fife’s Fairway Fortune

• 56 Events to See This Weekend

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

— Duncan

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

💸 Fife College Faces £1.3 Million Funding Cut

Fife College is preparing for some tough decisions following a £1.3 million budget cut, on top of a 19.8% real-terms reduction over the past three years. Principal Jim Metcalfe, who took the helm in 2023, has warned of “stark consequences” as the college reviews its courses, services, and overall operations to remain financially sustainable.

The college plays a major role in the local economy, with five campuses serving 20,000 students across Fife, from Dunfermline to Kirkcaldy and beyond, and supporting over 1,000 jobs. While no firm decisions have yet been made, cuts are expected to affect staff, course availability, and campus facilities across the region. Fife College was labelled one of the “losers” under the Scottish Funding Council’s new model, which promised some institutions would benefit while others would not. The news comes as another blow to Fife’s education sector, following the recent closure of the Elmwood Campus at the SRUC.

Despite the financial setback, there are bright spots. Student withdrawals have halved, course completions are up by 10%, and applications are at their highest in years, with some courses now oversubscribed. Let’s hope this progress helps shield the college from the worst of the cuts. [The Scotsman]

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LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🚗 Fife Council parking fines rise to £100 from July 1, up £40, with a £50 discount if paid within 14 days. The change aligns Fife with other Scottish councils enforcing Decriminalised Parking Enforcement.

• 🏬 The Mercat will be central to Kirkcaldy town centre's regeneration as Fife Council and Dundee University explore new uses for empty shops. Long-term plans include housing, leisure, and cultural development.

• 🚴 Dalgety Community Trust has submitted plans for a £325,000 pump track beside the local leisure centre, £290,000 is raised, and a final crowdfunding push is on to make the inclusive project a reality.

• 🎬 Peacock Cinema launches July 25 at Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline, screening films every Friday and Sunday until August 31 as part of a community-led project bringing movies back to the city centre.

• 🤸 Xtreme Trampoline Arena opens June 12 at Kingdom Shopping Centre in Glenrothes, bringing foam pits, slam dunk zones and ninja courses for Fife’s ultimate bounce experience after its 2023 closure.

• 🏛️ Fife Council is reviewing Cupar’s County Buildings but pledges local services will remain. With only 30 staff using the site, options include selling, downsizing, or repurposing.

• ⚽ Primrose Community Trust has submitted plans for a multi-sports complex south of Crossgates, featuring a new stadium for Crossgates Primrose FC, all-weather pitches, a 144-seat stand, and community facilities, aiming to boost local sports and meet future club ambitions.

• 🏕️ Cowdenbeath councillor, Darren Watt, has condemned the "trail of destruction" left by travellers who illegally returned to Leuchatsbeath Drive, breaching barriers and leaving waste, fire damage, and fly-tipping. A clean-up is now underway, with Fife Council reviewing future deterrents.

• 🏡 Taylor Wimpey has submitted plans for 479 homes at Halbeath in Dunfermline, including 120 affordable properties, as part of the 1,400-home Whitefields development with a school, shops and community facilities.

• 📉 Fife College faces a £1.3m budget cut from the Scottish Funding Council, triggering a review of courses and services with warnings of “stark consequences” for staff, academic offerings, and campus accessibility across Fife’s five campuses serving 20,000 students.

AROUND FIFE

Each week, we highlight positive news stories, hidden gems, and local experiences to explore.

🏌️‍♂️ Fife’s Fairway Fortune

Fife is famous for its stunning golf courses, no wonder so many people here play the sport! I’m probably one of the few who doesn’t, which makes me feel a bit rare in the Kingdom. Likewise, it’s common to spot tourists from around the globe visiting specifically to play golf, with the Old Course in St Andrews standing out as the crown jewel, known worldwide as the home of golf.

The financial impact of golf on the region is huge, but we were still surprised by just how much St Andrews alone brings in. A detailed study by the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University looked at visitor spending not only on golf but also on hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and local transport. The results? The seven courses of St Andrews Links generate an astonishing £317 million in economic activity every year and support 4,300 jobs.

Even more impressive, for every £1 spent directly at St Andrews Links, a further £3.43 is generated for other local businesses, a truly remarkable boost for the town’s economy. While other courses in Fife don’t attract quite the same attention, there’s clear potential for them to build on the success seen in St Andrews and bring similar benefits to their communities. [St Andrews Links]

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WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

✨ Featured Event

Want to add an event? Use the button below. Want a Featured Event like above? Drop us a line at [email protected].

🎶 Live Music & Concerts

📍 The Joshua Hotel - Heartfelt and introspective lo-fi indie-electro songs.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £9

📍 Shona White: In Full Circle - Performing her favourite songs from hit shows such as, Wicked and Mama Mia.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £17.50

📍 The Sorries - The duo sing, play and banter their way through a show which features a host of traditional tunes.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Leslie Town Hall | 🎟️ £10

📍 The Spice Girls Experience - Tribute band.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £33.50

📍 3's A Crowd + Elliot G Sax - Epic evening of banging tunes.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 The Duchess, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £11.55

📍 Michael O’Reilly and Davey Horne - Powerful combination of piano and guitar, delivering stunning covers of your favourite classic hits.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 McFleetwood - Tribute band to Fleetwood Mac.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £18

📍 Lost in Music - World-class band and dazzling vocals transporting you straight to the heart of disco fever.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £25

📍 Aiden Davis - Solo guitarist and vocalist.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 9:00pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 The Divas - An afternoon of classic Motown and Soul.
📅 Sun, 15th June | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 Royal British Legion, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £7

📍 Ned Evett - Master fretless guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter.
📅 Mon, 16th June | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £22

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 A Story Journey Around the Kingdom of Fife - Local storyteller shares her stories of the people and landscapes of Fife.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Crail Kirk Hall | 🎟️ Free

📍 Dance Pointe Academy: Hollywood Heights - Talented dancers bring iconic Hollywood moments to life.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 1:00pm & 6:00pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £16.50

📍 Laughter with Leslie - Leslie Amateur Drama Club are proud to present an evening of comedy sketches and short plays.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Leslie Town Hall | 🎟️ £8

📍 Big Fish: DN Dance - Storyline is inspired by Big Fish The Musical.
📅 Sun, 15th June | 🕢 1:30pm & 5:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £21.40

🎬 Entertainment

📍 Lang Toun Fest 2025 - Culture, art, history, music, food, family-friendly activities, and community projects throughout June.
📅 Fri, 30th May - Sat, 5th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Varies

📍 Composted: A Festival of Biodegradable Ideas - Connecting gardeners, scientists, environmentalists, and everyone in the community in celebration of the life in our compost.
📅 Sat, 31st May - Sat, 26th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Cambo Country House and Estate | 🎟️ Varies

📍 St Andrews Heritage Tour - Discover hidden gems, stories, and secrets by exploring St Andrews Castle, Cathedral, and more.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 St Andrews War Memorial | 🎟️ £10

📍 Dark & Haunting Tales - Meetings with the devil, ghostly stage coaches, accused witches, and body snatchers.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Abbot House, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £20.21

📍 Sea + Savour East Neuk Walking and Food Tour - Guided 3.5 mile walk starting at Cellardyke and heading to Anstruther and Pittenweem.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 The Grind, Cellardyke | 🎟️ £29

📍 Garden Shed Floral Workshops & Garden Tour - Seasonal gardening and floral workshop with accompanying tours of the Walled Garden on the estate.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Balgove Larder Farm Shop & Café | 🎟️ £49.95

📍 Ocean with David Attenborough - Spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 1:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 St Andrews Heritage Tour - Discover hidden gems, stories, and secrets by exploring St Andrews Castle, Cathedral, and more.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 St Andrews War Memorial | 🎟️ £10

📍 Afternoon Disco - Who says you have to wait until the sun goes down to have a boogie?
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8

📍 W3L Wrestling 2025 - Live American style Wrestling action from the World Wide Wrestling League.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 2:45pm | 📍 Fife Ice Arena, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £13

📍 Parthenope - Parthenope, born in the sea of Naples in 1950, searches for happiness over the summers of her youth.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 3:15pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 Speedweekend - Weekend of various race classes.
📅 Sat, 14th - Sun, 15th June | 🕢 5:00pm (Sat) & 12:00pm (Sun) | 📍 Lochgelly Raceway | 🎟️ £15

📍 Micro Banger Madness - Mighty Action as the Micro Bangers roll in. Small in size, HUGE on chaos!
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 6:00pm | 📍 Cowdenbeath Racewall | 🎟️ £18.50

📍 Godzilla Minus 1 Minus Colour - In postwar Japan, Godzilla brings new devastation to an already scorched landscape.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 6:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 The Surfer - A man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 8:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 Hot Hatch Track Day - Up to 125 cars will hit the track, delivering non-stop action and entertainment.
📅 Sun, 15th June | 🕢 9:00am | 📍 Knockhill | 🎟️ £16

📍 Charity Football Event - Day filled with fun, football, and fundraising for a good cause.
📅 Sun, 15th June | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 Raith Rovers Football Club | 🎟️ £6.50

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

📍 Burntisland Fairground - Rides, stalls, and attractions lining the town’s seafront.
📅 Sat, 31st May - Sun, 24th August | 🕢 1:00pm | 📍 The Links, Burntisland | 🎟️ Varies

📍 Gaelic and Scots Bookbug - Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 1:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

📍 Abbey Kids - Creative group for children and their carers.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 4:00pm | 📍 Dunfermline Abbey Church Hall | 🎟️ Free

📍 Flow - A cat's wondrous journey, through realms natural and mystical.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

📍 Dalgety Bay and Hillend Gala - Bouncy castles, fun fair, music, food, crafts, and more.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 12:00pm | 📍 Dalgety Bay Sports Centre Field | 🎟️ Free

📍 Leven Rose King & Queen: Letham Glen Centenary - Commemorate the centenary of the wonderful Letham Glen.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 12:00pm | 📍 Letham Glen, Leven | 🎟️ Free

🥗 Food & Drink

📍 Gin Tasting Event - New products from Angus Alchemy, super strong Moonshine and Gin selection!
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 6:00pm | 📍 Dairsie Mini Mart, Dairsie | 🎟️ Free

📍 June Herb Forage, Make & Taste - Join local herbalist Rosy for a seasonal session of foraging, remedy making and herb tasting.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 The Wynd, Falkland | 🎟️ £33.22

🛒 Markets

📍 Artisan Fridays Market - A lively weekly food market offering hot & cold food on Kirkcaldy High Street.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 9:00am | 📍 Kirkcaldy High Street | 🎟️ Free

📍 Bowhouse Market - Celebration of the best food and drink from Fife and beyond.
📅 Sat, 14th - Sun, 15th June | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ Free

📍 Artisan Market - Monthly showcase of local talent, creativity, and craftsmanship!
📅 Sun, 15th June | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 St Catherine's Wynd, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Culross Community Market - Enjoy a fantastic day of local shopping, delicious food, and live music.
📅 Sun, 15th June | 🕢 12:00pm | 📍 Culross Green | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Exhibitions

📍 Unearthed - Step back in time to discover how Scotland was formed and explore prehistoric creatures.
📅 Sat, 8th February - Sat, 27th September | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 St Andrews Museum | 🎟️ Free

📍 Jack Vettriano Exhibition 2025 - Collection of Jack Vettriano prints, including rare and sold-out pieces.
📅 Tue, 4th March - Tue, 28th October | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Affordable Arts, Methil | 🎟️ Free

📍 Cupar Museum and Heritage Centre – Explore Cupar’s rich history with locally focused exhibitions.
📅 Wed, 16th April – Fri, 31st October | 🕒 2pm (Wed, Fri & Sun) | 📍 Cupar Railway Station, Cupar | 🎟️ 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

📍 The Wonder Store - Exhibition showcasing artworks by various renowned artists.
📅 Fri, 2nd May - Sat, 27th Jun | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Methil Heritage Centre | 🎟️ Free

📍 Treasures from the Forth - Showcasing unique mosaics made with wonderful sea glass and ancient sea pottery washed ashore.
📅 Thu, 5th - Sun, 29th Jun | 🕢 10:00am (Thu-Mon) | 📍 The Ecology Centre, Kinghorn | 🎟️ Free

🧶 Arts & Crafts

📍 Botanical Art Workshop - Join Mira Caie Artist at Teasses Estate in June for botanically inspired mixed media workshop.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Teasses Estate | 🎟️ £45

📍 Community Art Event - Temporary artworks and interactive arts, including a recorded art run.
📅 Fri, 13th June | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 St Margaret's Cave, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Sarah Wakeford: SkyLight - Colourful contemporary skyscapes.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 9:00am | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

📍 Dinnes McArthur: All Over the Place - Landscapes, wildlife, flora, and portraits, produced in watercolour, acrylic, and mixed media.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 9:00am | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ Free

📍 Mini Mosaic: Mixed Media Workshop - Create a beautiful mosaic hanging plaque.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 1:00pm | 📍 Deborah Cameron Creative Artist Studio, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £65

📍 Cast ON - A cosy, free fortnightly knitting & crochet meetup for all skill levels.
📅 Sat, 14th June | 🕢 1:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

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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!