🛑 Major Shocks for Dunfermline + St Andrews Gets a VIP Chef!

Good morning, Fifers! Looks like things are heating up this week, though a little rain might join the mix. Either way, we’ve got a jam-packed newsletter, with a lot happening around the Kingdom.

Here’s what’s coming your way:

• Dunfermline misses out on millions of levelling up funding

• Unemployment continues to creep up

• New head chef at luxurious St Andrews hotel

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

— Duncan

WEATHER

Thursday: 11 🌡️ 8 | 🌧️

Friday: 12 🌡️ 7 | 🌧️

Saturday: 10 🌡️ 6 | 🌤️

Sunday: 10 🌡️ 7 | 🌧️

KINGDOM TOP STORIES

❌ Dunfermline’s £5 Million Levelling Up Funding Revoked

In March of last year, residents in Dunfermline were excited to learn that the city was set to receive £5 million in levelling-up funding from the UK government. However, in what some are calling a “clear betrayal,” it has now been revealed that these funds have been withdrawn. The money had been designated for key projects, including St Margaret's House, Tower House, Fire Station Creative, and the Dunfermline Learning Campus. With the funding now uncertain, the future of these initiatives hangs in the balance.

💼 Fife Unemployment on the Rise

Unemployment in Fife has risen by 5% in the past month, with 1,600 people now claiming Universal Credit. DWP External Relations Leader Sue Jeffrey emphasized the support available, including tailored assistance from work coaches, CV help, and access to DWP-funded courses. With Scottish Apprenticeship Week in March, young jobseekers are also getting support, and local employers are hosting recruitment events. Jobseekers can explore opportunities via the DWP's 'Find A Job' website or attend upcoming events in St Andrews and Dunfermline.

🏨 New 5-Star Hotel in St Andrews Handed Over Ahead of Grand Opening

A new five-star hotel in St Andrews, Seaton House, has officially been handed over ahead of its grand opening next month. Located near the Old Course, the hotel features 42 luxury bedrooms, including six suites, and offers modern Scottish hospitality. The 161-year-old building has been restored, with design elements reflecting its original designer, George Rae. The hotel will create 60 jobs and open to the public in March.

QUICK UPDATES

• 📢 Pittenweem invites residents to stand for its new community council - get your applications in here by February 27, 2025.

• 🏝️ Plans for a mobile sauna at Silver Sands Beach in Aberdour could still be halted by Fife Council - local residents to be consulted on the project.

• ⚠️ Fife Council confirms that safety work on Kirkcaldy's Standing Stane Road will be considered a matter of urgency - the budget is to be discussed at a council meeting on February 19, 2025.

• 🏗️ Plans for the £15m development of a new Templehall Community Hub in Kirkcaldy have taken a big step forward - work to begin April 2025.

• 🪴 Landowner in St. Andrews disputes forced sale of plot to a local community group for a public garden - judgment to be made soon.

• 🤝 Dunfermline Round Table looking to allocate cash from its annual charity beer festival - local charities, community groups, or individuals have until 27 February 2025 to email [email protected] with their applications.

FOOD & LEISURE

🍝 New Head Chef Takes Over La Cucina at Fairmont St Andrews

The luxury Fife spa and golf hotel, Fairmont St Andrews, has appointed Stewart Macaulay as head chef of its Italian restaurant, La Cucina. With 20 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, Macaulay will lead a team focused on using local produce, including ingredients from the resort’s greenhouse and herb garden. He aims to blend traditional Italian dishes with the finest local ingredients, offering guests a taste of St Andrews alongside stunning coastal views.

@THEFIFEINSIDER

📍 Picture by stephenmccluskey81 | Location: Elie

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WHAT’S ON

🎶 Siobhan Wilson Live at Cambo House

Acclaimed Scottish composer-songwriter Siobhan Wilson brings her soulful sound to the historic kitchen of Cambo House on Saturday, 22nd February, from 6pm to 8pm. With a career spanning international tours alongside Suzanne Vega and The Proclaimers, as well as collaborations with Van Morrison and Idlewild, her music has earned praise from Rolling Stone and BBC6’s Lauren Laverne. This intimate gig offers a rare chance to experience her haunting vocals and evocative songwriting up close. Tickets are £15, and a licensed bar will be available. Book here.

♟️ Chess Challenge at Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum

Test your strategy and skill in a unique setting at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum in Dunfermline on Saturday, 22nd February, from 10am to 12pm. Open to all levels, from Grand Masters to casual players, the event offers an hour of quiet play before the museum opens, followed by another hour as visitors arrive. Hosted with support from Dunfermline Chess Club, it's a chance to sharpen your mind in a place that once inspired Carnegie’s own strategic thinking. Suggested donation of £2 per player. Reserve your spot here.

✈️ Pilot Careers Event – Take Off in 2025!

Discover your path to becoming a commercial pilot at Fife Airport, Glenrothes, on Sunday, 23rd February, from 10am to 12pm (doors open at 9:30am). Hosted by Fife Flight Centre, this event outlines the Commercial Pilot Pathway Course, covering essential training, career guidance, and state-of-the-art aircraft. Learn from industry experts and get answers to all your aviation questions. Confirm your attendance here.

🎉 More Events

Too Much Too Young: The Story of 2 Tone
🎶 Live band playing hits from Madness, The Specials & more.
📅 Thu, 20th Feb | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £25

Wild at Heart (Film Screening)
🎬 Nicholas Cage classic.
📅 Fri, 21st Feb | 🕒 7:00pm | 📍 King’s Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £3

Tap Factory 10th Anniversary Tour
💃 Dance, percussion, and acrobatics.
📅 Fri, 21st Feb | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £28

Lucy Russell & Sezi Seskir
🎻 Classical concert: Mozart, Beethoven & more.
📅 Fri, 21st Feb | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £20

Stuart Michael: Psychic Medium
🔮 Evening of psychic mediumship.
📅 Sat, 22nd Feb | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £30

After The Last Waltz – Tribute to The Band
🎤 Tribute to The Band’s legendary final concert.
📅 Sat, 22nd Feb | 🕒 8:00pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £22.50

Family Lego Play Day
🧩 Free Lego play for families.
📅 Sun, 23rd Feb | 🕒 10:00am | 📍 The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

KYMT Presents: Grease
🎭 Youth musical classic.
📅 20th-23rd Feb | 📍 Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly | 🎟️ £15

Royal Marines Band: All That Jazz
🎷 Big band jazz classics.
📅 Sun, 23rd Feb | 🕒 3:00pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline

SPORTS

19-Feb-2025

• 🏒 Sheffield Steelers v Fife Flyers [8-1]

22-Feb-2025

• 🏒 Manchester Storm v Fife Flyers [19:00]

• 🏉 Kirkcaldy RFC v Howe of Fife [14:00]

• ⚽ East Fife v Peterhead [15:00]

• ⚽ Dunfermline Athletic FC v Queens Park FC [15:00]

• ⚽ Kelty Hearts v Inverness CT [15:00]

• ⚽ Raith Rovers v Hamilton Academical [15:00]

23-Feb-2025

• 🏒 Fife Flyers v Glasgow Clan [17:15]

THANKS FOR READING

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!