🧭 Fife to France Ferry Edges Closer to Reality

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Here’s what else is coming your way today:

• First Minister Backs Calls for New Fife Ferry

• Fife Ice Hockey Saved

• 43 Events to See This Week

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

— Duncan

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

⛴️ First Minister Backs Calls for New Fife Ferry

It’s been seven years since the last Fife ferry service from Rosyth to Zeebrugge in Belgium stopped operating following a fire on one of the vessels. Since then, we’ve been closely following developments around a possible new ferry route connecting Fife with France, from Rosyth to Dunkirk.

The push for this new route has been led by businessman Derek Sloan, who first proposed exploring its potential. The business case looks strong, with the route likely to attract tourists and exporters in both directions, bringing more direct revenue into Fife. Currently, many tourists tend to visit Edinburgh and bypass the Kingdom altogether.

However, several key challenges remain, most notably the potential need for a costly border control post. With a new Brexit agreement taking shape, these hurdles might be overcome. Indeed, with First Minister John Swinney now publicly committing to help tackle bureaucratic obstacles, there’s renewed momentum to get this ferry route up and running. [BBC]

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LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🎁 Amazon has donated £10,000 worth of Fire Tablets and Fire TVs to Scottish charities and schools from its Dunfermline fulfilment centre, supporting education and community wellbeing. Beneficiaries include Friends of Queen Margaret Hospital, Lumphinnans Primary, and Lochgelly High School.

• 🏆 Pupils at Craigrothie Primary School in Fife achieved their best ever result in the national Primary Engineer competition. All 24 students earned ‘distinction shortlisted’ grades. Four won top prizes, including Rachel Coggle for her “X-Ray Lambing Goggles and Gloves” invention, helping with lambing safety.

• 🤖 Fife Council is exploring the use of AI agents to answer simple phone inquiries 24/7, freeing up staff to handle complex cases and improving customer service.

• 🏛️ The Friends of Culross Abbey are launching surveys to gather community views on future uses of the historic site, which will cease being a place of worship by the end of 2027. A Community Right to Buy application is underway, alongside plans to build a sustainable business case.

• ⚓ A memorial garden in Rosyth has been approved to honour the crew of Polish WWII submarine ORP Orzel. The site will feature steel sculptures, flagpoles, and interpretation boards commemorating the sub’s daring 40-day escape from the Nazis and its missions from Rosyth before being lost at sea in 1940.

• ⚠️ Lion’s Mane jellyfish with a “nasty sting” have been spotted on Fife beaches at Burntisland and Pittenweem. The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust warns locals and pets to keep away. If stung, scrape off tentacles carefully and rinse with warm water.

• 🏗️ Prestonhill Quarry in Inverkeithing is up for sale after Fife Council rejected a major £multi-million redevelopment plan for a second time. The 44-acre site was set for 180 homes, holiday lodges, and a café, but councillors voted 6–5 against, despite officer support.

• 🏢 Kirkcaldy town centre faces uncertainty as Fife Council’s Wemyssfield building is declared provisionally surplus. Staff who worked there have been relocated amid a shift to hybrid and remote working.

• 🌉 The Forth Bridge's management plan is being updated for the first time since it gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015. Locals are invited to shape the new plan via an online questionnaire, open until 30 June 2025.

• 🏕️ A retrospective planning application has been submitted to Fife Council seeking approval to turn the Former Cowdenbeath Piggery into a Travellers Site.

• 🌿 St Andrews Coach Houses at Priorletham Farm is expanding with a new rural spa experience featuring saunas, a cold plunge pond, and yoga sessions amid scenic countryside views.

AROUND FIFE

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

🏒 Fife Ice Hockey Saved

Last season was a tough one for the Fife Flyers. They struggled at the bottom of the table, with growing concern over reports that the owners were looking to sell, and fears that the club might close altogether. Thankfully, that no longer seems to be the case, with confirmation that new owners have been found.

While the identity of the new ownership group hasn’t been officially disclosed, the club has confirmed the takeover is being led by a North American-based consortium. Given the popularity of ice hockey across the Atlantic, there's optimism that the group will bring valuable experience in running a successful team.

Of course, any takeover can cause concern among fans, especially when it comes to preserving the club’s identity. But the early signs are promising. In a statement, the new owners laid out a clear mission: “to restore the pride, energy, and identity of Fife Flyers hockey — both on and off the ice.” It’s a strong statement of intent and suggests an exciting new era for the club, with a focus on keeping fans involved and informed.

Here’s what we know so far:

• A new management team is in place, led by Cardiff Devils legend Max Birbraer, who has taken on the role of President & General Manager.

• The club is in advanced talks to appoint a new Head Coach, with a contract pending.

• Core players from last season have already been contacted, with more updates to follow as a competitive roster is built.

• Gareth Chalmers has joined as Chief Commercial & Operations Officer, bringing experience and a focus on growing commercial partnerships.

It’s early days, but things are already looking brighter for the Flyers. We’re excited to head down and catch them in action at the Fife Ice Arena once the new season commences. [Fife Flyers]

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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 Shoregate Session - Everything from traditional tunes through to songs ancient and modern.
📅 Wed, 11th June | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 The Shoregate, Crail | 🎟️ Free

📍 Marion Bradfield - Irish singer-songwriter based in Donegal.
📅 Wed, 11th June | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 The Glen Tavern, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £8

📍 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

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 Makings of a Murderer 2 - Colin, who was head of a Metropolitan Police murder squad tells stories from his career.
📅 Thu, 12th June | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £32

📍 An Evening with Rob Parsons - Untold stories from Rob’s lifetime of overcoming obstacles and discovering that the past doesn't have to define us.
📅 Thu, 12th June | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 The Vine Conference Centre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £11

📍 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

🎬 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

📍 An Evening with Kate Foster - Best-selling author Kate Foster discussing her novels The Maiden, The King's Witches, and The Mourning Necklace.
📅 Tue, 10th June | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Waterstones, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 The Friend - Writer and teacher Iris finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray.
📅 Wed, 11th June | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

📍 Make it to Munich - Documentary about a young footballer’s recovery and 1200km cycle to Euro 2024.
📅 Wed, 11th June | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.50

📍 The Rocky Road… - Lecture by historian and writer Dr Fiona Watson titled The Rocky Road to the Declaration of Arbroath.
📅 Thu, 12th June | 🕢 6:30pm | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ £5

📍 Les Misérables - Jean Valjean gets caught in a political uprising in Paris.
📅 Thu, 12th June | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £3

📍 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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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

📍 Kids' Den: Lego Club - Learn skills, meet people, have fun as you construct, create and chill out!
📅 Tue, 10th June | 🕢 3:15pm | 📍 Cadham Library, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £2

📍 Bookbug - Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Wed, 11th June | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

📍 Bookbug - Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Wed, 11th June | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Burntisland Library | 🎟️ Free

📍 Unearthed: Bookbug Session - Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Wed, 11th June | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 St Andrews Museum | 🎟️ Free

📍 Story Garden with Chae Strathie - Award-winning children’s author reading his stories, acting the goat, and singing songs.
📅 Wed, 11th June | 🕢 3:45pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

📍 Kids' Den: Lego Club - Learn skills, meet people, have fun as you construct, create and chill out!
📅 Thu, 12th June | 🕢 3:30pm | 📍 Kelty Library | 🎟️ £2

📍 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

🥗 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

🛒 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

🎨 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

📍 Silver Earrings - Learn how to saw, solder, form and texture your own silver jewellery from scratch.
📅 Tue, 10th June | 🕢 6:30pm | 📍 Forgan's Art Centre, Ceres | 🎟️ £70

📍 Dreel Crafters - All skill levels welcome for knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, embroidery and more.
📅 Tue, 10th & Thu, 12th June | 🕢 7pm (Tue) & 2pm (Thu) | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £3

📍 Sweer Peas & Cabbage Roses - Demonstration of Wemyss Ware techniques.
📅 Wed, 11th June | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 Fife Folk Museum | 🎟️ Free

📍 Mixed Media Craft Club: Clay and Collage - Create your own mixed media collage over a 4 week clock.
📅 Thu, 12th June | 🕢 6:30pm | 📍 Deborah Cameron Creative Artist Studio, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £98

📍 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

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Cheers,

Duncan

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