🧭 Fife's Massive Salt Stockpile

Good morning, Fifers! The Christmas season is well and truly underway with a load of Christmas markets and pantos featuring in today’s event list.

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• Scotland's Smallest Gym Opens in St Andrews

• Fife Council's 22,000 Tonnes of Salt

• 76 Events to See This Weekend

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

— Duncan

TODAY’S TOP STORY

❄️ Fife Council's Winter Gritters Ready for Action

Whilst we’ve already had a small cold spell, no doubt it won’t be the last, and Fife Council has confirmed they are ready with plans in place to keep the roads clear throughout winter.

Preparations started in the summer with council stockpiles of salt now at 22,000 tonnes, having just taken a 3,000-tonne delivery, and another 3,000-tonne delivery to be taken later in the winter to replenish supplies further. This will be put to use by the council’s 27 vehicle fleet, with a further 45 vehicles that can be used in the worst conditions, including 30 small footpath tractors capable of clearing and salting footpaths.

Additional personnel from other parts of the council can be deployed to work on the road network when the weather is extremely bad, and external resources and equipment have also been arranged. You can check the latest winter advice from the council here, where they also post updates on whether or not they plan to grit roads overnight.

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🏥 Airlie Medical Practice in Methil will begin building work on January 5th, with completion expected by Autumn 2026. The project adds five consulting rooms, a CTAC room, and two admin rooms.

• 📝 Fife Council has launched a new online Community Benefit Request Form to help local charities and community groups access free support from businesses delivering council contracts.

• 🚢 The Forth Green Freeport’s Full Business Case has been approved, unlocking £25m in seed capital and paving the way for major investment across Rosyth, Burntisland, and the rest of Fife.

• 🏠 Glenrothes has seen 59 new affordable homes completed over the past year, with another 58 underway. Developments include cottage flats, houses, bungalows, and townhouses, some wheelchair-accessible.

• 🏗️ Early planning has begun for infrastructure upgrades at Rosyth Dockyard, including a contingent docking facility for HMS Dreadnought and capabilities to handle legacy radioactive waste from decommissioned nuclear submarines.

• 🚌 Stagecoach has released its updated table for the festive period. Check it out here.

• 🦪 European flat oysters reintroduced to the Firth of Forth are thriving, with an 88% survival rate after one year, as part of the Restoration Forth project. Whilst largely focused on the east of the bridges, there is scope to bring the programme further up the firth.

• ⛳ Hospitality prices for the 155th Open Championship in St Andrews have been revealed, with prices starting at £480 for the premium experience and topping out at £4,500 for the platinum experience on the final day.

• 🚨 Victoria Hospital’s A&E is under huge pressure, seeing around 200 patients daily. Only 69.5% were seen within four hours in October, the lowest on record, well below the 95% Scottish Government target.

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

🏋️ Scotland's Smallest Gym Opens in St Andrews

A new way of keeping fit has arrived in St Andrews that's aiming to make the gym experience less intimidating. TinyGyms, a private gym pod that can be booked by the hour, has opened at the St Andrews West development.

Created by founder Mike Forbes, the idea came from a simple observation. "I've always enjoyed gyms myself, but most of my friends couldn't think of anything worse," he explained. "They feel really self-conscious about being on display, and generally find gyms pretty intimidating."

The solution? A three-by-six metre building equipped with a treadmill, bike, dumbbells, Smith weights machine, and cable-pulley multigym that you get entirely to yourself. You book a slot using an app, scan your phone at the door to get in, and then the gym is yours for the duration.

The response from locals has been great, with people travelling from as far away as Kirkcaldy to come and use the facility. Mike's also heard from a mother and two daughters who booked an hour to catch up while working out and someone "terrified of stepping into a normal gym" who loved their private session.

Slots cost £13 an hour for peak times and £10.40 off-peak, with discounts for multiple passes. Dundee is planned as the second location, with future sites guided by demand. If you'd like to see a TinyGyms in your part of Fife, visit www.tinygyms.com to request one.

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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, 5th December

Creative Craft Club For Adults - Come and enjoy a regular Friday morning of creativity.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Letham Village Hall | 🎟️ £13.50

Christmas Wreath Workshop - Learn good techniques so you can make a beautiful, bespoke wreath in the lovely surroundings of the glasshouse.
📁 Art | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Teasses Estate | 🎟️ £55

Big Green Market - Monthly pre-loved market dedicated to reducing waste and supporting the local community.
📁 Markets | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Burntisland Parish Church Hall | 🎟️ Free

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop - Create your own masterpiece while enjoying seasonal refreshments and good company!
📁 Art | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Falkland Palace | 🎟️ £45

Adam Smith Heritage Tour - Explore the world of Adam Smith, the Kirkcaldy man, philosopher, economist, and visionary.
📁 Tour | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Adam Smith Heritage Centre | 🎟️ Free

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

The Aurrie Mor Christmas Fair - Come along for festive cheer and make some timely purchases for Christmas!
📁 Markets | 🕢 3pm | 📍 The Aurrie, Lower Largo | 🎟️ Free

Christmas BASH for CASH - Raise funds that will benefit children in our local community this Christmas time!
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 6pm | 📍 Methil Ex Servicemens Club | 🎟️ £3

Friday Night Slides - 1/10th scale Electric RWD Drift cars only, and must be running Buzz Break or DS Racing LF4 tyres.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 6:30pm | 📍 Parkgate Community Centre, Rosyth | 🎟️ £5+

Adult Workshop: Clay Relief Tile - Make a tile for yourself or as a gift for someone special.
📁 Art | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ £5

Aladdin - Join Aladdin as he sets off on a bonkers Highland adventure in this Scottish take on the classic tale.
📁 Theatre | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £25+

Aladdin: Unleash the Genie - Soar into a whole new world this Christmas with Aladdin, the spellbinding family pantomime.
📁 Panto | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14+

Mama Genesis - An Evening of Genesis Music, a tribute to the music of British group Genesis.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £30.80

Oor Wee Mammy McGoose - The Best Wee Panto in Scotland returns with a Brand Spanking New Production.
📁 Panto | 🕢 7pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14+

Shamanic - Alternative rock band.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £11

The Sound of Music - he beloved musical tells the tale of Maria, the spirited nun-turned-governess, who brings music and joy to the von Trapp family.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:15pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £18

Treasure Island - Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map, belonging to an old sea captain and embarks on a perilous journey in search of buried treasure.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:15pm | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ £12+

The Sound of Music -  One of the most beloved musicals of all time!
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Blyth Hall, Newport-on-Tay | 🎟️ £14.97+

📅 Saturday, 6th December

Falkland Winter Festival Meet Santa - Santa is coming to the Winter Festival and this is the chance for your little one to meet him.
📁 Family | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Falkland Community Hall | 🎟️ £2.88

Breakfast with Santa and Ceilidh - Bring the kids to something special this Christmas with a visit from Santa Claus himself!
📁 Family | 🕢 9:30am | 📍 Forgans St Andrews | 🎟️ £17.50+

Artisan Market - Market showcasing the talents of local artisans, offering a wide variety of crafts, art, and speciality goods.
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 St Andrews Town Hall | 🎟️ Free

International Festive Baking - Joyful journey through winter traditions from around the world.
📁 Food | 🕢 10am | 📍 Greener Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £54

December Truck Meet - All are welcome either to drive, spectate or chat.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 10am | 📍 Parkgate Community Centre, Rosyth | 🎟️ £5+

Big Green Market - Monthly pre-loved market dedicated to reducing waste and supporting the local community.
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 Burntisland Parish Church Hall | 🎟️ Free

Sculptural Portraiture - Workshop exploring the approaches to sculptural portraiture using a variety of building methods and materials.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Forgan Arts Centre | 🎟️ £130

The Aurrie Mor Christmas Fair - Come along for festive cheer and make some timely purchases for Christmas!
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 The Aurrie, Lower Largo | 🎟️ Free

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

Santa Express - Santa trains where families can meet Santa and receive a present.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 11am | 📍 Fife Heritage Railway, Leven | 🎟️ £15

Walk ON - Casual and relaxing group promoting the health benefits of walking and socialising.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 11am | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Festive Lampshade Fairy Garland Workshop - Get into the festive spirit (and a touch of Aladdin magic!) by making your own set of mini lampshade fairy lights.
📁 Art | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £25

Aladdin: Unleash the Genie - Soar into a whole new world this Christmas with Aladdin, the spellbinding family pantomime.
📁 Panto | 🕢 1pm & 5pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14+

Christmas Willow Wreath Workshop - Experience the joy of creating your own beautiful Christmas wreath using willow and harvested foliage.
📁 Art | 🕢 1pm | 📍 The Stables, Falkland Estate | 🎟️ £40

The Sound of Music -  One of the most beloved musicals of all time!
📁 Stage | 🕢 1pm & 6:30pm | 📍 Blyth Hall, Newport-on-Tay | 🎟️ £14.97+

Aladdin - Join Aladdin as he sets off on a bonkers Highland adventure in this Scottish take on the classic tale.
📁 Theatre | 🕢 2pm & 7pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £25+

The Sound of Music - he beloved musical tells the tale of Maria, the spirited nun-turned-governess, who brings music and joy to the von Trapp family.
📁 Stage | 🕢 2:15pm & 7:15pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £18

Oor Wee Mammy McGoose - The Best Wee Panto in Scotland returns with a Brand Spanking New Production.
📁 Panto | 🕢 2:30pm & 7pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14+

Snow White - This year we are thrilled to announce, for the first time ever, the fairest panto of them all, Snow White.
📁 Panto | 🕢 3pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25.50+

Winter Tales for Everyone - Join storyteller Beverley Bryant for heartwarming festive tales.
📁 Family | 🕢 3pm | 📍 Abbot House, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6.13+

Winter Concert - East Fife Male Voice Choir singing at The Old Kirk in Kirkcaldy.
📁 Music | 🕢 3pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Old Kirk | 🎟️ £12

Dunfermline Choral Union Christmas Concerts - Traditional carols and beautiful modern seasonal music in the company of one of Scotland's best amateur choirs.
📁 Music | 🕢 3pm | 📍 The Vine Conference Centre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £16

Falkland Winter Festival Rock Choir - Uplifting Christmas concert in the church.
📁 Music | 🕢 4pm | 📍 Falkland Parish Church | 🎟️ £5

Truth: The Over-30s Christmas Cracker - Ultimate daytime clubbing experience - exclusively for the over-30s!
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 4pm | 📍 Truth, Leven | 🎟️ £8

Mama Genesis - An Evening of Genesis Music, a tribute to the music of British group Genesis.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £30.80

Murder at the Manor - As a police officer, you will examine and interpret evidence to help the police to find the murderer!
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Barty's, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £15

Treasure Island - Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map, belonging to an old sea captain and embarks on a perilous journey in search of buried treasure.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:15pm | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ £12+

Gods Zoo - Grunge/Rock band from Glasgow headlining following the release of their KillJoy EP.
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 The Monarch Bar, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6

Christmas Party Comedy Show - Join us for the funniest Christmas party in town!
📁 Comedy | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Markinch Town Hall | 🎟️ £27.75

The Columbos - Cover Soul Music from the 60’s.
📁 Music | 🕢 8:30pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £11.55

📅 Sunday, 7th December

Falkland Winter Festival Meet Santa - Santa is coming to the Winter Festival and this is the chance for your little one to meet him.
📁 Family | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Falkland Community Hall | 🎟️ £2.88

The Aurrie Mor Christmas Fair - Come along for festive cheer and make some timely purchases for Christmas!
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 The Aurrie, Lower Largo | 🎟️ Free

Artisan Market - Monthly showcase of local talent, creativity, and craftsmanship!
📁 Markets | 🕢 11am | 📍 St Catherine's Wynd, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

Santa Express - Santa trains where families can meet Santa and receive a present.
📁 Family | 🕢 11am | 📍 Fife Heritage Railway, Leven | 🎟️ £15

Christmas Craft Day - Bring the family and enjoy colouring in Christmas creations, make a badge or magnet, and more.
📁 Markets | 🕢 11am | 📍 Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum | 🎟️ Free

Dunfermline Christmas Food and Drink Festival - The biggest Christmas market Dunfermline has ever seen!
📁 Family | 🕢 11am | 📍 Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

Seasonal Stories with Little Neuk Storytelling Centre - Hear some seasonal stories and try some crafts or colouring in.
📁 Children | 🕢 11am | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ 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 | 🎟️ £70

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

Sunday Storycraft - Session of themed crafts and stories.
📁 Family | 🕢 12:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Aladdin: Unleash the Genie - Soar into a whole new world this Christmas with Aladdin, the spellbinding family pantomime.
📁 Panto | 🕢 1pm & 5pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14+

Allmans Project By Safehouse - The set draws from Live at the Filmore alongside classics like Dreams, Black Hearted Woman and Jessica.
📁 Music | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £27.50

The Sound of Music -  One of the most beloved musicals of all time!
📁 Stage | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Blyth Hall, Newport-on-Tay | 🎟️ £14.97+

Aladdin - Join Aladdin as he sets off on a bonkers Highland adventure in this Scottish take on the classic tale.
📁 Theatre | 🕢 2pm & 7pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £25+

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop - Join us for a fun Christmas Wreath making workshop and get crafty in person!
📁 Art | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Pittenweem Scout Hall | 🎟️ £33.22

Snow White - This year we are thrilled to announce, for the first time ever, the fairest panto of them all, Snow White.
📁 Panto | 🕢 3pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25.50+

Intertwined Christmas Concert - Talented Ukrainian and Scottish musicians will come together to support Ukrainian defenders.
📁 Music | 🕢 6pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £15

Bridget Jones, Mad About The Boy - Bridget Jones, widowed and bringing up two children, is building a new life.
📁 Movie | 🕢 6:45pm | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £6

An Evening with Libby Penman - Libby is a Scottish wildlife photographer, filmmaker and TV presenter seen on shows such as Winterwatch, The One Show and Landward.
📁 Talk | 🕢 7pm | 📍 St Margaret's Church Hall, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

📅 Monday, 8th December

After School Crafts: Mini Wreath - Pop in after school and upcycle fabric waste into a mini wreath decoration for your tree.
📁 Children | 🕢 3:15pm | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

Oor Wee Mammy McGoose - The Best Wee Panto in Scotland returns with a Brand Spanking New Production.
📁 Panto | 🕢 7pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14+

🎉 Multi-Day Events & Exhibitions

Santa’s Grotto - Santa's Grotto is always one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies Dunfermline, and this year it's even more magical!
📅 Sun, 23rd November - Wed, 24th December | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Dobbies, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £14+

Collecting the Contemporary: Scottish Art at Kirkcaldy Galleries - This display features works by modern and contemporary painters who were inspired by Scotland.
📅 Fri, 31st January - Wed, 31st December | 🕢 10am | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Jack Vettriano Exhibition 2025 - Collection of Jack Vettriano prints, including rare and sold-out pieces.
📅 Tue, 4th March - Thu, 15th January 2026 | 🕢 10am | 📍 Affordable Arts, Methil | 🎟️ Free

From These Parts: Scotland, Art and Identity - Special preview evening filled with live music, drinks, and creative activities.
📅 Sat, 18th October - Sun, 15th February 2026 | 🕢 10am | 📍 Wardlaw Museum | 🎟️ Free

Unveiling the Madonna - Discover the story behind the Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist, the oldest painting in our art collection.
📅 Sat, 8th November - Sat, 7th March 2026 | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 St Andrews Museum | 🎟️ 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

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Cheers,

Duncan