🧭 Is Fife the Secret Home of Scottish Cheese?

Good morning, Fifers! We hope you made the most of the sunshine over the weekend, though we have to admit, yesterday’s rain was a bit of a welcome breather!

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• New Parking Restrictions in Anstruther

• Fife Cheese Company Up for Award

• 62 Events to See This Weekend

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

— Duncan

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🚗 Further Parking Measures for Anstruther

The East Neuk is always heaving in summer, and Anstruther is no exception, with its beaches, harbours, and chippies pulling in visitors from Fife and beyond. But parking is often tight, and this year it’ll be even tougher with work on a new RNLI lifeboat station starting on 21st July.

To help ease the pressure, Fife Council has kept 20 spaces open at East Basin, introduced a free park-and-ride near the Co-op, and allowed tour buses to drop off at the harbour. And, from 11th August, they’re going further, with a new 2-hour max stay applying at East Basin until 30th September (returning each summer from 1st April). For longer stays, you’ll need to head to Station Road or the park-and-ride, so keep this in mind for your next visit.

While this latest change is focused on easing pressure in Anstruther, it’s got us thinking: could similar ideas be used positively in other busy spots across Fife to spread out visitors and reduce parking headaches? Maybe it’s time for a Fife Beach Shuttle Bus, one that picks people up from train stations, park-and-ride hubs, or even bigger towns like Perth or Stirling, and drops them off at some of the less accessible but equally brilliant beaches. It could ease the strain on hot spots like Silver Sands and help shine a light on hidden gems that don’t usually see as many visitors.

Terrible idea or worth exploring? Let us know what you think.

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LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🩺 NHS Fife supported around 100 Modern Apprentices in 2024–25, developing a skilled workforce through hands-on training and education, especially in pharmacy services. These roles are now seen as a clear career pathway within NHS Fife.

• 🚨 A missing kayaker near Pettycur Bay sparked a major search on Saturday. Thankfully, they were found safe and well on the beach after being rescued by another person, according to the UK Coastguard.

• 🏭 Over 80 jobs have been lost at Dunfermline-based Greenfold Systems Ltd after administrators were appointed. The firm collapsed following the loss of a major contract with bus company Alexander Dennis Ltd.

• ♻️ Cupar Recycling Centre will now open on Saturdays starting August 2, improving access for residents. Fife Council says the move supports local recycling efforts and their commitment to tackling the climate emergency.

• 🎶 Glenrothes' Youth Music Project, run by Fife Council and YMCA, has earned Royal recognition with an invite to the King’s Garden Party. The weekly sessions offer music tuition, boosting confidence and creativity in participants.

• 🥃 Saltire Rare Malt's limited-edition 14-year-old Linkwood single malt, created for Falkland Golf Club’s 50th anniversary, has sold out all 60 bottles within days. The exclusive £80 whisky, bottled at 54.1% ABV and finished in ruby port and bourbon casks, was available only to club members and select guests.

• ⛳ Fife golf pro Donald McKay has been named ambassador for Phoenix Golf, a new UK organisation supporting disabled golfers. He’ll help promote inclusive golf and expand access to coaching, events, and global tournaments.

• 🦕 Dobbies Dunfermline will host a free dinosaur-themed workshop on Sunday, August 3, as part of its Little Seedlings Club. Aimed at children aged 4–10, the session will explore prehistoric plants, include fun games, and let kids make their own fossils.

• 🍔 Burger Island in Burntisland has been nominated in the inaugural British Burger Awards. The winner will be announced on September 8th.

AROUND FIFE

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

🧀 The Best Cheese in Scotland?

You might not think of Scotland as a cheese powerhouse, but in our experience, some cracking producers are making all sorts of great cheese right here; you don’t need to head to France! While Orkney Cheddar is probably the most famous (you’ll find it in plenty of shops), there’s loads more worth hunting down.

One to watch is St Andrews Farmhouse Cheddar from right here in Fife, made by the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company. They’ve just been nominated for Small Business Dairy Product of the Year at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2025! We haven’t tried it ourselves yet, but it’s definitely going on our summer tasting list.

Got any favourite Scottish cheeses? Let us know, maybe we can discover some of our readers’ top picks, even better if they are from the Kingdom! For the full list of nominees, check out the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2025 here.

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WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

✨ Featured Event

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🎶 Live Music & Concerts

📍 Andrew Somerville and Claire Haslin - Works for Saxophone and Piano: Fantaisie, Gate, Piece en Forme de Habanera, and more.
📅 Tue, 15th July | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Laidlaw Music Centre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £12.50

📍 Beat The Drum: The Runrig Experience - Professional tribute band that plays homage to the Scottish Celtic Rock band.
📅 Wed, 16th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Crail Community Hall | 🎟️ £30

📍 Amarok - Polish prog rock band.
📅 Wed, 16th July | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £26.40

📍 Piano Concert by Richard Michael - Scotland's Greatest Jazz Pianist, Richard Michael, leads us on an unforgettable evening of jazz piano.
📅 Wed, 16th July | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Laidlaw Music Centre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £15

📍 Sir-Reel Clarks - Scottish Family Folk Group with a twist of genres.
📅 Wed, 16th July | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 The Glen Tavern, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £8

📍 Piano Concert by Rose McLachlan - Multi-prizewinning pianist Rose McLachlan will be presenting a one hour recital.
📅 Thu, 17th July | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Laidlaw Music Centre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £12.50

📍 Daryl Hockin - Scottish singer song writer with diverse influences ranging from traditional Scottish to traditional pop.
📅 Thu, 17th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Lulu: In Concert - Pop sensation and National Treasure, Lulu, renowned for her powerful voice and enduring career.
📅 Thu, 17th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £43.35

📍 Will Stratton and Trippers & Askers - Evening of folk and Americana music from acclaimed U.S. touring musicians.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 6:00pm | 📍 Kingsbarns Church | 🎟️ £15

📍 Scratch - You can expect: Disco, House, Garage, Techno and everything in-between.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £9.38

📍 Dez Dare - A night of Psych Punk and Garage Synth Punk from Edinburgh.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £10

📍 A Night at the Musicals - Fabulous singers perform songs from our favourite shows including Les Misérables, Wicked, and many more.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £24

📍 Twinstown - Supported by Jason Duffy and Brodie Campbell.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 The Monarch Bar, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6

📍 Ethan Loch: Celebrity Concert - World-class concert pianist and finalist of BBC Young Musician of the Year 2022.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Laidlaw Music Centre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £20

📍 Burnside Burners - Influenced by the classic blues artists from the early to mid-20th century.
📅 Sat, 19th July | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 An Evening with Natalie Jayne Clark - Scottish Crime writer Natalie Jayne Clark will be in store to chat about her debut novel The Malt Whisky Murders.
📅 Tue, 15th July | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Waterstones, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Magic Gareth: Balloonatic - Exciting and fun family show with balloons, games, prizes, and MINDBLOWING magic.
📅 Thu, 17th July | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £6+

📍 Creative Conversations - Lea & Abi Cooper reflect on DIY cultural organising and cultivating practices that celebrate access, everyday creativity, and community arts.
📅 Thu, 17th July | 🕢 6:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £1+

📍 The Three Abbey Graveyards - Lecture about the different grave sites around Dunfermline Abbey Church.
📅 Thu, 17th July | 🕢 6:30pm | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ £5

📍 Museum Lecture: David Hamilton - In addition to his fame as a player, Old Tom was 'Keeper of the Green' at St Andrews from 1864 to his retirement in 1903.
📅 Thu, 17th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ £10

📍 Maiden Mother Mage - A poetic reimagining of Thaney, later known as St Teneu / Tenew, or St Enoch.
📅 Thu, 17th - Sat, 19th July | 🕢 2pm (Sat) & 7pm (Thu-Sat) | 📍 Culross Abbey | 🎟️ £7+

🎬 Entertainment

📍 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

📍 Fife Climate Hub Beach Clean - An MCS beach clean aimed at collecting important data that informs national policy and local action.
📅 Tue, 15th July | 🕢 9:00am | 📍 St Andrews Aquarium | 🎟️ Free

📍 Energising Aufguss - Social session blending elements of classic and modern Aufguss to boost endorphin levels and uplift your mood.
📅 Tue, 15th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Largo Castaway Sauna | 🎟️ £25

📍 Wicked: Sing-a-long - A special sing-a-long screening of the 2024 hit movie Wicked!
📅 Tue, 15th July | 🕢 6:00pm | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ £1+

📍 Royal Garden Tour - Guided tour around the beautiful grounds of Falkland Palace , led by our former Head Gardener.
📅 Tue, 15th July | 🕢 6:00pm | 📍 Falkland Palace & Garden | 🎟️ £17.52

📍 Sauna, Sea and Singing with Adele Ward - Summer sauna celebration that blends heat, cold, music, and firelight into one unforgettable evening.
📅 Tue, 15th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Largo Castaway Sauna | 🎟️ £25

📍 Women’s Rugby Beginners Bootcamp - Try rugby for free in a fun and friendly environment, learn new skills, improve your fitness and meet new people!
📅 Tue, 15th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Howe Of Fife Rugby Football Club | 🎟️ Free

📍 Escape Room Experience: The Last Exhibit - Can you escape the Bell Pettigrew Museum that has been taken over by a rogue technology?
📅 Wed, 16th - Fri, 18th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Bell Pettigrew Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ £15

📍 Sunset Yoga, Heat and Waves - Sunset yoga with guided wild swim and sauna heat followed by hot drinks and s'mores round a beach fire.
📅 Wed, 16th July | 🕢 6:30pm | 📍 Largo Castaway Sauna | 🎟️ £35

📍 Hill of Tarvit Guided Tour - Find out more about the people who lived at Hill of Tarvit Mansion House, in this 50-minute guided tour.
📅 Fri, 18th - Sun, 20th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Hill of Tarvit Mansion House | 🎟️ £14.88

📍 Learn Photography @ Fife Zoo - Full day course with Drew Cunningham and Grant Keelan for beginners, amateurs and enthusiasts.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Fife Zoo | 🎟️ £50

📍 Women in Agriculture Fife: Walk & Talk - Tour of the gardens and a talk about the estate as well as a light lunch of soup, quiche, tea/coffee and a tasty brownie.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Teasses Estate | 🎟️ £11.55

📍 Forest Bathing - Come relax and rejuvenate with a peaceful forest bathing experience at Blairadam Wood!
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Blairadam Wood | 🎟️ £11.55

📍 St Andrews Heritage Tour - Discover hidden gems, stories, and secrets by exploring St Andrews Castle, Cathedral, and more.
📅 Fri, 18th & Sat, 19th July | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 St Andrews War Memorial | 🎟️ £10

📍 Dark & Haunting Tales - Meetings with the devil, ghostly stage coaches, accused witches, and body snatchers.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Abbot House, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £20.21

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s Summer Programme - Quid a Kid, weekly activity sessions, sport drop-ins, crafting, family fun days, and more.
📅 Mon, 7th July - Sun, 17th August | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Across Fife | 🎟️ Varies

Cafe Inc - Free lunch club for children and young people.
📅 Mon, 7th July - Sun, 17th August | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Across Fife | 🎟️ Varies

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

📍 The Aurrie Mor Summer Festival - Daily family friendly events including music,stories, art, and more.
📅 Fri, 11th - Sat, 19th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 The Aurrie Mor, Lower Largo | 🎟️ Varies

📍 Hillview Animal Park: Summer Visits - Come along and meet our friendly animals.
📅 Fri, 18th - Mon, 21st July | 🕢 10:00am & 1:00pm | 📍 Hillview Animal Park | 🎟️ £5

📍 Wild Weather Craft Drop-In - Explore some superstitions and weather folklore and make your own weather themed craft to take home.
📅 Tue, 15th July | 🕢 1:30pm | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

📍 Teddy Bears Picnic - Bear themed tale and craft, finishing with a tasty teddy bears picnic and tea/coffee for parents.
📅 Wed, 16th July | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £6

📍 Kids Local History Club - Explore your city’s past through stories, crafts, trails and games!
📅 Wed, 16th July | 🕢 11am | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ Free

📍 Rock Pool Guddle - From handsome hermit crabs to playful prawns, learn about our coastal habitats.
📅 Wed, 16th July | 🕢 12pm | 📍 Billowness Beach, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

📍 Celebrating our Championships - Design your own trophies and medals.
📅 Wed, 16th July | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

📍 Cool Creatures - Say hello to some of the most curious, cute and Cool Creatures this summer holidays.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Buckhaven Library | 🎟️ Free

📍 Cool Creatures - Say hello to some of the most curious, cute and Cool Creatures this summer holidays.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 12:00pm | 📍 Kennoway Library | 🎟️ Free

📍 Cool Creatures - Say hello to some of the most curious, cute and Cool Creatures this summer holidays.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 2:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

🥗 Food & Drink

📍 Cheese and Wine Night - Enjoy a glass of wine of your choice and a chessboard.
📅 Tue, 15th July | 🕢 5:00pm | 📍 The Old Vic, St Andrews | 🎟️ £15

🛒 Markets

📍 Artisan Fridays Market - A lively weekly food market offering hot & cold food on Kirkcaldy High Street.
📅 Fri, 18th July | 🕢 9am | 📍 Kirkcaldy High Street | 🎟️ Free

🧶 Arts & Crafts

📍 Dreel Crafters - All skill levels welcome for knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, embroidery and more.
📅 Tue, 15th & Thu, 17th July | 🕢 7pm (Tue) & 2pm (Thu) | 📍 Dreel Halls, Anstruther | 🎟️ £3

📍 Handloom Weaving - Children’s summer workshop with Jan Shelley.
📅 Thu, 17th July | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Fife Folk Museum | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Exhibitions

📍 Crail Brushstrokes - Landscapes and landmarks familiar to many who live in or visit this lovely part of the world.
📅 Tue, 1st - Tue, 29th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

📍 Making Waves; Breaking Ground - Unique exhibition of large scale paintings and artwork.
📅 Sat, 19th July - Mon, 4th August | 🕢 10:00am (Tue-Sun) | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ Free

📍 Deep Sea World Fantasea - This summer, Deep Sea World transforms into a mythical world of magic, mystery, and marine marvels.
📅 Sat, 28th June - Sun, 17th August | 🕢 | 📍 Deep Sea World, North Queensferry | 🎟️ £13.75+

📍 Forthlines - Displays of squares made by people living in Fife, of places that they know and love.
📅 Sat, 24th May - Sun, 31st August | 🕢 10:00am (11:00am Sun) | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Museum Entry

📍 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

📍 Rewrite the Future - Explore how today's choices can shape a fairer, more sustainable tomorrow.
📅 Sat, 31st May - Sun, 28th September | 🕢 9:45am | 📍 Wardlaw Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

📍 The Lost Words - Featuring original artwork by artist Jackie Morris and spell-poems by writer Robert Macfarlane.
📅 Sat, 28th June - Sun, 26th October | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ 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

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THANKS FOR READING

Thanks for reading Fife Insider today. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend in Fife.

Cheers,

Duncan

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