🧭 Huge Funding Win for Fife?

Good morning, Fifers!

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• Huge Funding Win for Fife?

• Fife College’s Best Results in Nearly a Decade

• 50 Events to See This Week

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

— Duncan

TODAY’S TOP STORY

💷 £40 Million Funding Boost for Fife Communities

Whilst a lot of the headlines have been covering the big plans for Kirkcaldy, which recently had its own funding win, there are even more Fife communities set to benefit from investment. Indeed, the UK Government has now committed up to a further £40 million to 2 local areas over the next ten years through its new Pride in Place programme. The areas set to benefit include:

• West Fife: Oakley, Comrie and Blairhall, Valleyfield, Culross and Torryburn, Kincardine, Saline and Gowkhall.

• Central Fife: Methil and Buckhaven

Locations were selected using the Index of Multiple Deprivation and Community Needs Index. Under the programme, communities will receive £2 million per year for the next decade to spend on projects they choose themselves. The idea is to give residents control over how to regenerate their local areas, with funding that's long-term, flexible and community-led.

However, with the funding spread across multiple communities over a decade, questions remain about how transformative it will actually be. At £2 million per year for each area, and with inflation eroding purchasing power over time, will this be enough to deliver the meaningful regeneration these communities need?

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 📸 Funding has been approved for a Culross tourism workshop to help residents and businesses manage visitor growth sustainably while protecting the village’s character and local quality of life, as visitor numbers have surged in recent years.

• 🗑️ Reminder that bin collections will not be happening on the 25th & 26th of December 2025 or on the 1st & 2nd January 2026. Check your collection dates here.

• 🎄 A home in Burntisland has made the final of Scotland's Christmas Home of the Year, which aired last night. At the time of writing, the results weren’t yet in, but good luck to the owners of Sugar Plum Loft!

• 🔬 Pupils from Levenmouth Academy secured second place in a national STEM competition with an innovative multi-feature walking cane designed to support visually impaired people.

• 📱 Fife Council is set to review mobile phone use in schools after councillors called for a consistent, research-led policy to address wide variations in current rules across the region.

• 🏆 An Aberdour CGI and VFX firm, Where Giants Roam, has been recognised in Goldman Sachs’ top 10,000 small businesses after boosting turnover by 56% and delivering a major Amazon project.

• 💷 Police have called on businesses to be vigilant over the festive period, with fake £20 notes thought to be in circulation in Fife.

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

📚 Fife College’s Best Results in Nearly a Decade

Fife College has reported its strongest performance since 2017, with official Further Education Statistics showing major improvements across student satisfaction, course completion and employment outcomes.

Over 8,000 students completed their courses in 2024-25, the largest proportion of Fife skills graduates in seven years. Student withdrawals have also fallen to their lowest level since 2018-19, reflecting improved teaching and strengthened student support.

Student satisfaction has reached a five-year high, with 94% of full-time students satisfied with their College experience and 96% saying they would strongly recommend Fife College to others. The College also maintains one of the highest positive destination rates in Scotland, with 91.7% of students progressing into work, training or further study within 3-6 months of completing their courses.

Perhaps most impressive is the boom in modern apprenticeships, with the College securing its largest ever contract worth £2.5 million for 2025-26. More than 1,200 apprentices will be earning and learning with Fife College in key industry skills, including defence, construction, healthcare and hospitality. [Fife College]

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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.

📅 Tuesday, 16th December

Snow White - This year we are thrilled to announce, for the first time ever, the fairest panto of them all, Snow White.
📁 Panto | 🕢 10:30am & 6:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25.50+

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

Art and Design Fun - Join us for engaging sessions in comics, animation, drawing, weaving crafts, photography, papier-mache, and puppetry.
📁 Art | 🕢 6pm | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ Free

Ocean with David Attenborough - This stunning documentary showcases the wonder and vitality of the ocean, its fragility and most importantly, our ability to protect it.
📁 Movie | 🕢 6pm | 📍 Greener Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

It’s A Wonderful Life - Follow George Bailey on a magical journey of hope, redemption, and the true meaning of Christmas.
📁 Movie | 🕢 6:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £6.50+

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

Dreel Crafters - All skill levels welcome for knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, embroidery and more.
📁 Art | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £3

📅 Wednesday, 17th December

Snow White - This year we are thrilled to announce, for the first time ever, the fairest panto of them all, Snow White.
📁 Panto | 🕢 10:30am & 6:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25.50+

Jo Jingles Fife Christmas Parties 2025 - We will have percussion instruments, lively action songs, sensory props and bubbles!
📁 Children | 🕢 12:15pm, 2:15pm, & 3:45pm | 📍 Liberty Church, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6.13

Mozart Matinee with Peter Whelan - MOZART Serenade KV 320 ‘Posthorn’, interspersed with arias from Mozart’s Mitridate, and more.
📁 Music | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews | 🎟️ £6+

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 | 🎟️ £22+

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+

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

Lochgelly High School Christmas Concert - Selection of festive favourites from our Pipe, Traditional Scottish, Brass and Wind Bands.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ £5+

Nativity! The Musical - The heart-warming, laugh out loud festive blockbuster film is now the perfect musical for the whole family!
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £18+

The Shoregate Session - Everything from traditional tunes through to songs ancient and modern.
📁 Music | 🕢 8pm | 📍 The Shoregate, Crail | 🎟️ Free

📅 Thursday, 18th December

Snow White - This year we are thrilled to announce, for the first time ever, the fairest panto of them all, Snow White.
📁 Panto | 🕢 1pm & 6:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25.50+

Dreel Crafters - All skill levels welcome for knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, embroidery and more.
📁 Art | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £3

Sparkles & Snowflakes: Christmas Story & Craft - Join Elizabeth for some festive fun with our Christmas story and craft session!
📁 Family | 🕢 4:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ £1+

Game ON - Casual gaming club with a huge range of board games.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 5pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

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 | 🎟️ £22+

Charlotte Whittle: Christmas by Candlelight - Evening of Christmas festive favourites with soprano Charlotte Whittle and pianist George Gordon.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Largo and Newburn Parish Church | 🎟️ £15

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+

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

Wilson & Wakeman - Come and join them for this one-off show.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £30.80

Christmas Party Comedy Show - Join us for the funniest Christmas party in town!
📁 Children | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Old Kirk | 🎟️ £22.75

Nativity! The Musical - The heart-warming, laugh out loud festive blockbuster film is now the perfect musical for the whole family!
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £18+

Warmth, Wonder & Sparkle - Storyteller Beverley Bryant invites you to rediscover the wonder at the heart of midwinter.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Abbot House, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £13.70

📅 Friday, 19th December

Falkland Palace Christmas Trail - With frosty paths, sparkling snowflakes and the scent of crisp winter air, it's a perfect family day out.
📁 Family | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Falkland Palace | 🎟️ £1+

Artisan Fridays Market - A lively weekly food market offering hot & cold food on Kirkcaldy High Street.
📁 Markets | 🕢 9am | 📍 Kirkcaldy High Street | 🎟️ Free

It's a Wonderful Life - As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback.
📁 Movie | 🕢 11am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

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+

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

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+

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+

Snow White - This year we are thrilled to announce, for the first time ever, the fairest panto of them all, Snow White.
📁 Panto | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £25.50+

Fife Nativity Play - Taking place in the ruins of Lindores Abbey including live animals and an atmospheric backdrop.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Lindores Abbey Distillery | 🎟️ £5.50+

Shiski Disco - You’ll never have more fun than at Shiski Disco!
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️

Big Country - Big Country play a huge hometown show at Dunfermline Glen Pavilion as part of their Eastworld UK tour.
📁 Music | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £43.45

Home Alone - Classic Christmas Caper with drinks and snacks on arrival, 6 course tasting menu as you eat along with Kevin.
📁 Movie | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Earls Hall Castle | 🎟️ £55

Idle Minds - Local indie band Idle Minds take to the stage with support from the Young Cats and Cammy Cairns!
📁 Music | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 The Monarch Bar, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6

Nativity! The Musical - The heart-warming, laugh out loud festive blockbuster film is now the perfect musical for the whole family!
📁 Stage | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £18+

Christmas Party Comedy Show - Join us for the funniest Christmas party in town!
📁 Comedy | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Cupar Corn Exchange | 🎟️ £27.75

Christmas Party with Tres Hombres - The 3rd Annual Tres Hombres Christmas Show with Mark "Marrakesh" Burdette, David "Dov" Stevens and John Anaya.
📁 Music | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Humpback Recording, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £10

🎉 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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THANKS FOR READING

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Cheers,

Duncan