🌱 How Fife’s Seagrass Restoration is Helping Save Marine Biodiversity

Good morning, Fifers! The Easter holidays are just around the corner, and there’s a ton happening in the Kingdom this weekend.

Here’s what’s coming your way:

• 🚨 Fife Ranks Third-Highest for Sexual Assaults in Hospitals

• 🌿 Dunfermline Teenager Wins Scottish Nature Photography Award

• 💼 Fife Council Agrees to Consult on a Visitor Levy for the Kingdom

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Busy Eeekend of Family Friendly Events

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

— Duncan

WEATHER

Although it’s starting to cool down again, it looks like the sun might be sticking around a little longer. Here's the forecast:

Friday: 11 🌡️ 3 | ⛅

Saturday: 8 🌡️ 3 | ⛅

Sunday: 12 🌡️ 1 | ⛅

Monday: 14 🌡️ 3 | ⛅

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🚨 Fife Ranks Third-Highest for Sexual Assaults in Hospitals

Between 2019 and 2024, NHS Fife recorded 34 sexual assaults, including 18 on hospital wards, according to a report by the Women’s Rights Network titled "How Safe Are Our Scottish Hospitals?" The data shows a concerning trend of sexual violence occurring within healthcare settings, placing Fife as the third-highest area for reported incidents in Scotland.

Police charged 20 individuals in connection with the assaults. Roz McCall, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has called for an urgent review of hospital security and safeguarding protocols to protect patients and prevent further incidents. She emphasized the need for a thorough review of single-sex space regulations in hospitals to ensure the safety of vulnerable patients. Read more here.

💼 Fife Council Agrees to Consult on a Visitor Levy for the Kingdom

Fife Council has agreed to explore the possibility of introducing a visitor levy for the region and will engage with communities and businesses over the coming months. The move follows the introduction of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, which allows local councils to charge a percentage rate on accommodation within the scheme’s area.

The levy can be applied to all or part of the council area, and it may vary depending on factors like the season or the purpose of the visit. Initial estimates suggest that a 5% levy, similar to Edinburgh’s model, could generate between £3.4m and £8.2m annually.

Council Leader David Ross emphasized the importance of tourism to the region and acknowledged the mixed opinions surrounding the levy. He stated, "We will take the time to gather all views and ensure that decisions are based on facts and evidence before moving forward." No decision will be made on the introduction of the levy before August 2026.

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🚤 The RNLI rescued an adult, two children, and two dogs stranded on rocks at Dalgety Bay after being cut off by the tide. Already at the station for training, the crew launched quickly and safely brought everyone back to St David's Harbour.

• 📞 BT plans to remove 12 public payphones from West Fife due to low usage, including one used just four times in the past year. Communities can adopt and repurpose phone boxes, with many transforming them into cafes, libraries, or defibrillator sites.

• 🔍 A Freedom of Information request by former pupil support assistant Alana Gauffre revealed 4,651 reports of violence and aggression across Fife’s 133 primary schools in 2024. Cairneyhill Primary had the most incidents (284), while 10 schools reported none.

• 🏡 Fife councillors are outraged as Fife Council begins marketing former Woodmill and St Columba’s school sites for housing without community consultation. Calls for urgent talks and better engagement have been made, while the council says plans are in early stages with input to follow.

• 🏗️ A £9.2M Army Reserve Centre on Elgin Street, Dunfermline, opens this summer, housing 239 Squadron and 154 Regiment Royal Logistics Core HQ. The facility features offices, a drill hall, and accommodation.

• 🛟 Anstruther’s new RNLI lifeboat station will soon begin construction, housing the advanced Shannon class lifeboat for faster response times. The 18-month project will close the East Basin car park and beach access, with a temporary park-and-ride provided.

• 🎠 A £140,000 play area redesign for Star of Markinch Park has been revealed after a consultation with local residents. The project, funded by Fife Council and developer contributions, is set to go to tender by summer once all funding is secured.

• 🚓 Levenmouth continues to tackle anti-social behaviour with additional police funding. A dedicated team, including a new constable, will focus on the issue. Recent efforts have led to significant reductions in nuisance behaviour, with a 93% drop in motorbike-related calls since 2019.

• 🔪 Melanie Ward MP has warned that action is needed to prevent knife crime from becoming a major issue in Fife. Highlighting a 50% increase in weapon possession over the past year, she called for early intervention and prevention measures.

• 🐾 A Golden Labrador was injured after being struck by an off-road bike at Lochore Meadows. Police Scotland has launched an investigation and is appealing for witnesses. The incident follows concerns raised by Fife Council about off-road bikers in the area.

• 💸 Unsecured creditors of The Buffalo Farm in Fife have been left with nothing as £1.5m in claims have been filed. The company entered administration a year ago, with founder Steve Mitchell acquiring most assets through his new company, Buffalo Produce.

• 🚗 Learner drivers in Fife are waiting up to 24 weeks for practical driving tests. The DVSA is working to reduce wait times by recruiting more examiners and improving booking systems.

AROUND FIFE

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

☀️ Fife Beach at Heart of Marine Project to Return Seagrass Meadows to Forth

The Restoration Forth project is making great strides in restoring seagrass meadows to the Firth of Forth, with significant efforts concentrated on Burntisland Sands in Fife. Over three years, volunteers have successfully planted 156,000 seagrass seeds across three sites, and now, the project has entered an exciting new phase. Seeds from Orkney, Moray Firth, and the Forth are being tested at Burntisland to determine which source provides the best germination and survival rates.

The goal of this marine restoration project is to restore up to four hectares of seagrass meadows and European flat oyster beds, creating crucial habitat for marine life. The project is not just about planting seeds; it’s about creating a thriving marine food web. With help from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, Sky, and the Cinven Foundation, the initiative continues to push forward with hopes of revitalizing the region's marine biodiversity. Volunteers play a key role, with many expressing deep personal satisfaction from their involvement in this significant environmental project. Read more here.

🌿 Dunfermline Teenager Wins Scottish Nature Photography Award

A Dunfermline youngster has been named Junior Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2024. Thirteen-year-old Kiran Simpson's photograph, titled "Feathers and Ripples," was praised by the judges at the 15th annual Scottish Nature Photography Awards.

Kiran expressed her excitement, saying, "Winning the Junior Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year award feels unreal, and I'm just so happy. I am completely honoured that my photo was chosen. 'Feathers and Ripples,' capturing a common bird in an uncommon setting, means a lot to me, and it’s incredible to see it celebrated."

@THEFIFEINSIDER

📍 Picture by Jpiks1 | Location: North Queensferry

📸 Share your photos of Fife with us! Tag @thefifeinsider and you could be featured in the next edition.

WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

✨ Featured Event

🎶 Live Music & Concerts

📍 Voodoo Pilots Live – Enjoy a night of rock with Voodoo Pilots, supported by Sons of Chance & The Other Side, presented by Kingdom Come Events.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 The King's, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8.20

📍 Man In The Mirror – A Tribute to Michael Jackson – Experience the electrifying tribute concert celebrating the King of Pop, featuring iconic hits, dazzling choreography, and stunning visual effects.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £29

📍 The Story of Guitar Heroes – Experience an electrifying live guitar performance featuring iconic hits from legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Slash, played with incredible accuracy on 30 different authentic guitars!
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £27

📍 Illegally Blondie: Tribute Band – Rock out to the ultimate tribute band performance by Illegally Blondie at The Monarch!
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 The Monarch Bar & Function Room, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £11.55

📍 The Sensational David Bowie Tribute Band – Experience the UK's premier tribute to David Bowie with all his iconic hits and electrifying stage presence!
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕘 8:00pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £17

📍 Langtoun Jazz Presents SCuba Latin Jazz Quintet – A high-energy Latin and Cuban jazz experience with tabla-driven Indian fusion.
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕗 8:00pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Old Kirk, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14

📍 Under 21's Open Mic – A relaxed and welcoming space for under 21's to showcase their talents.
📅 Sun, 6th April | 🕒 3:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 Baton Bonanza – Join the New Generation Twirlers for a spectacular showcase of their dancing talent and annual awards.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £14

📍 Musical Mania – Pirrie Performing Arts presents their annual variety production, showcasing a mix of classic and modern musicals through singing, drama, and dance.
📅 Sun, 6th April | 🕑 12:00pm & 5:00pm | 📍 Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly | 🎟️ £16

🎬 Entertainment

📍 Jane McCarry: Live – Still Game star Jane McCarry is back with a brand-new 2025 tour. Join her for a hilarious evening filled with stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and interactive moments.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕕 6:00pm | 📍 Baldridgeburn Community Centre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25

📍 A Scottish Comedy Collective – Enjoy a night of live stand-up comedy featuring Jay Lafferty, Mark Nelson, Cubby, and MC Graham Mackie. Expect laughs, wit, and a touch of the unexpected!
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £22

📍 Open Mic Night at the Adam Smith Theatre – Join us for the launch of our brand-new Open Mic Night! Whether you're a performer, poet, or just love a good tune or story, come and showcase your talent or enjoy the creativity of others.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Guided Bird/Nature Walk and Lunch – Explore the beautiful Morton Lochs area of Tentsmuir Forest NNR on a guided walk, followed by a relaxing lunch at The Larick Cafe.
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 The Larick Cafe, Tayport | 🎟️ £15

📍 Scottish Championship Car Racing Round 1: Armed Forces & NHS Appreciation Weekend – Enjoy thrilling Twin-Track racing, with the best Scottish championships and a celebration of our Armed Forces and NHS!
📅 Sat, 5th - Sun, 6th April | 🕘 11:00am | 📍 Knockhill Racing Circuit, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Varies

📍 Football For A Fiver – Support Dunfermline as they take on Hamilton in a crucial match at East End Park, with £5 tickets and fantastic match day deals!
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕒 3:00pm | 📍 East End Park, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £5

📍 International Firewalk Day – Ignite your inner fire on International Firewalk Day! Take part in a unique experience and challenge yourself with a firewalk, guided by experts.
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕕 6:00pm | 📍 Glenrothes Community Sports & Health Hub, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £42.96

📍 The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart – A documentary about the legendary Bee Gees, exploring their rise and musical evolution.
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £10

📍 Bearfoot Comedy at The King's Theatre – Enjoy a fantastic evening of stand-up comedy at Bearfoot Comedy Club.
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕗 8:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £16.96

📍 Royal Ballet and Opera 24/25: Turandot – The icy Princess Turandot sets a deadly challenge for her suitors, until a mysterious prince shakes her court.
📅 Sun, 6th April | 🕑 2:00pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £20

📍 Psychic Night with Charlene Sharp – Experience the mystical world of psychic readings with Charlene Sharp, including a hot buffet!
📅 Sun, 6th April | 🕒 3:00pm | 📍 The Yeoman, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £19.67

📍 A Private War – A powerful portrayal of Marie Colvin's courage in war zones, starring Rosamund Pike.
📅 Sun, 6th April | 🕘 6:45pm | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £6

📍 Public Diners Exhibition: Nourish Scotland – Discover the history and future of state-supported public diners and explore whether they could work today.
📅 Mon, 7th April | 🕑 1:00pm | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

📍 Gaelic and Scots Bookbug at Kirkcaldy Galleries – Enjoy free, fun, and friendly sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers! Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕑 1:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Logie Farming Lambing Experience 2025 – Join the Morris family for an authentic lambing tour at Logie Farm. Experience everything from holding a lamb to witnessing live births (nature permitting).
📅 Fri, 4th - Sun, 6th April | 🕐 1:30pm & 4:00pm | 📍 Logie Farm, Newburgh | 🎟️ £13.70

📍 Easter Egg Decorating Drop-In – Celebrate Easter with creativity at the Adam Smith Theatre! Join us for a free, fun-filled session where you can decorate 3D-printed or laser-cut wooden eggs with paints, markers, and more!
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕚 11:00am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Parent & Child Yoga Classes – Bonding experience through yoga for parents and children at the Old Course Hotel Golf & Spa Resort in St Andrews.
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕘 11:00am | 📍 Old Course Hotel Golf & Spa Resort, St Andrews | 🎟️ £12

📍 Easter Fun at the Scottish Fisheries Museum – Enjoy relaxed Easter activities with Jen and Kipper the Cat at the museum in Anstruther!
📅 Sun, 6th - Mon, 21st April | 🕘 10:00am | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

📍 Planet Botanic Holiday Club – Outdoor activities like den-building, wildlife spotting, and nature crafts at St Andrews Botanic Garden.
📅 Mon, 7th - Fri, 18th April | 🕘 8:45am (Mon-Fri) | 📍 St Andrews Botanic Garden, St Andrews | 🎟️ £25

📍 Crazy Creatures Workshop at Aberdour Library – Join artist Kate Clarke to create your own mythical beast using a crazy creature generator and illustrate it.
📅 Mon, 7th April | 🕑 2:30pm | 📍 Aberdour Library, Aberdour | 🎟️ £2

🥗 Food & Drink

🛒 Markets

📍 Artisan Fridays Market – A lively weekly food market offering hot & cold food on Kirkcaldy High Street.
📅 Fri, 4th April | 🕘 9:00am | 📍 Kirkcaldy High Street, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Artisan Market St. Andrews – A monthly market featuring unique handcrafted treasures from local makers, artists, and bakers.
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 St Andrews Town Hall, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

📍 St Andrews Market – Discover fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local Scottish goods at this vibrant monthly market on South Street!
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕘 10:00am | 📍 South Street, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

📍 Culross Community Market – Enjoy a fantastic day of local shopping, delicious food, and live music in the historic village of Culross.
📅 Sun, 6th April | 🕛 12:00pm | 📍 Culross Green, Culross | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Exhibitions

📍 Jack Vettriano Exhibition 2025 – A stunning collection of Jack Vettriano prints, including rare and sold-out pieces, at Affordable Arts!
📅 Tue, 4th Mar - Tue, 28th October | 🕙 10:00am | 📍 Affordable Arts, Methil | 🎟️ Free

📍 Hag: Knowledge, Power & Alchemy through Craft – An inspiring exhibition celebrating the creativity, strength, and mastery of 13 Scottish women craft artists.
📅 Sat, 8th March – Sun, 8th June | 🕙 Various times | 📍 Carnegie Library & Galleries, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Lynne Muir: Photography Exhibition – Discover stunning images of the natural world from local photographer Lynne Muir, featuring scenes from her recent trip to Antarctica and beautiful shoreline moments captured near the East Neuk.
📅 Tue, 1st - Sun, 27th April | 🕙 10am | 📍 The Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther |🎟️ Free event

🧶 Arts & Crafts

📍 Wet Felting Orbs and Vases Workshop – Learn the art of wet felting to create unique vases and orbs with Deborah Cameron.
📅 Sat, 5th April | 🕘 10:00am | 📍 Deborah Cameron Creative Artist Studio, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £68

📍 Spoon Carving Workshop – Learn the art of spoon carving with Colin Harper at the Fife Folk Museum and take home your own handcrafted spoon!
📅 Sun, 6th April 2025 | 🕙 11:00am | 📍 Fife Folk Museum, Ceres | 🎟️ £20

📍 Sunday Storycraft – Join us for a fun, free drop-in session of themed crafts and stories, perfect for all ages. No booking is required – just pop along and create something wonderful!
📅 Sun, 6th April | 🕑 12:00pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Paint With Felt: Flower Meadow Workshop – Create a beautiful flower meadow needle felted art piece at the Deborah Cameron Creative Artist Studio in Glenrothes.
📅 Mon, 7th April | 🕘 10:00am | 📍 Deborah Cameron Creative Artist Studio, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £82

SPORTS

Fixtures

⚽ Raith Rovers vs Ayr
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Dunfermline Athletic vs Hamilton
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Kelty Hearts vs Dumbarton
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 1

⚽ Forfar vs East Fife
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 2

🏉 Kirkcaldy vs Hillhead Jordanhill
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 National League Cup

🏒 Fife Flyers vs Manchester Storm
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 19:15 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

🏒 Dundee Stars vs Fife Flyers
📅 Sun, 6 April | 🕒 17:00 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

Results

⚽ Dunfermline Athletic 1-0 Livingston
📅 Wed, 2 April | 🕒 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!