🧭 Massive Investment in Fife Town Set to Begin

Good morning, Fifers! In Tuesday’s issue, we asked about your train travel habits whilst examining the performance of Fife’s train stations. Just over half of respondents said they use the train only a few times a year or less, with only 15% using them every week.

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• Pavement Parking Warnings to Commence

• Major Fife Town Development Plans Progress

• 53 Events to See This Weekend

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

— Duncan

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🚗 Council to Commence Pavement Parking Ban Warnings

From the 1st of July 2025, Fife Council will begin issuing warning notices to drivers ahead of the new Pavement Parking Ban coming into force across the region. The ban aims to improve pedestrian safety, especially for those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and parents with pushchairs, by prohibiting parking on pavements, double parking, and parking over dropped kerbs.

While enforcement fines of £100 (discounted to £50 if paid within 14 days) will start on the 1st of September 2025, the council will begin with a two-month warning period to raise awareness and help drivers adjust.

Some streets have been identified as potential exemptions to the ban; these will be reviewed at area committees before final decisions are made. Exemptions will also apply to certain vehicles essential for work, such as emergency services, roadworks, postal deliveries, and breakdown assistance, when no alternative is available. These vehicles must leave at least 1.5 metres of clear space for pedestrians and remain only as long as necessary. [Fife Council]

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LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🏋️ Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre’s £7.8m upgrade nears completion. New features include a bigger gym, refurbished pool facilities, library relocation, and pitch improvements. The revamped, inclusive centre is set to reopen this autumn.

• 🔋 Plans have been submitted for a micro energy storage project in Lochgelly, featuring Battery Boxes to store and release electricity locally, improving grid flexibility and reliability amid growing renewable energy use.

• 🛟 Work on Anstruther’s new RNLI lifeboat station starts 21 July. Revised plans retain beach access and parking, with a shuttle from a park and ride. Phase 1 includes sea wall and launch ramp construction.

• 🌼 Dobbies Dunfermline is offering budget-friendly summer fun with kids' workshops, soft play, £1 meals, and 20% off outdoor toys. The Little Seedlings Holiday Club runs sensory sessions for ages 4–10 through July and August.

• ⚡ Westfield Energy Recovery Facility in Fife is set to begin operations, processing 250,000 tonnes of waste annually. It will generate power for 70,000 homes, create 30+ jobs, and support Scotland’s net-zero and circular economy goals.

• 🏚️ Plans have been unveiled to demolish a dilapidated former Co-op and Forum Hotel building in Glenrothes’ Albany Gate area, aiming to clear eyesores and create new community green spaces as part of a wider town centre regeneration effort.

• 🚨 A cannabis farm in Kirkcaldy’s former Nairn Mill building has been confirmed as Scotland’s largest after police seized around 5,000 plants worth an estimated £12 million.

• 🏫 St Andrews University has unveiled plans to redevelop the former Madras College site on South Street into a £140 million ‘New College.’ The project will preserve the historic facade and old school quad beneath a new glass roof while adding modern classrooms, community spaces, and a cafe.

• 🙏 Over £20,000 has been raised in a fundraiser for the family of 15-year-old Alexander McNab, who tragically died paddleboarding at Lochore Meadows. Emergency services conducted extensive searches, with no suspicious circumstances reported. You can donate here.

AROUND FIFE

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

👷🏼 Major Kirkcaldy Regeneration Plans Move Forward

It’s no secret that Kirkcaldy’s waterfront has looked a little worn down for many years. Decisions made decades ago favoured heavy concrete structures along an otherwise beautiful stretch of coastline, which hasn’t helped its appeal. So, it’s exciting news that Kirkcaldy has been selected to benefit from the UK Government’s £240 million regeneration fund, aimed at revitalising projects across the country.

While the council has already taken steps, such as demolishing the eyesore multi-storey car park, there’s still plenty to be done. This funding will be invaluable in transforming Kirkcaldy Promenade into a vibrant destination for both locals and tourists. Some of the AI-generated concept images circulating on social media have really captured the imagination about what could be possible.

With momentum building, it’s encouraging to see local government moving quickly. As we mentioned in last week’s newsletter, local MP Melanie Ward has been gathering feedback from residents via her website, and there’s still time to have your say. Meanwhile, Fife Council has confirmed it has appointed Collective Architecture and Montagu Evans to lead an ambitious new masterplan for the regeneration. Further community consultations are set to begin in the coming weeks. Watch this space! [Fife Council]

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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

📍 Victory or Die - Plus support from Deadfire and The Love World Order.
📅 Fri, 4th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £8

📍 The Dirty Cooks - Indie rock band.
📅 Fri, 4th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6

📍 The Vintage Explosion - Debut studio album of 10 self-penned modern classics.
📅 Fri, 4th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £30.50

📍 Open Mic Night - Bring your talents, your friends, and your sense of adventure to a night full of creativity.
📅 Fri, 4th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 T-Bone Duffy and Kim Seymour - Relaxing evening of live music.
📅 Fri, 4th July | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Eltonesque - If you want the most realistic Elton John experience then look no further than ELTONESQUE.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £22

📍 All Tore Down - Blues and classic rock covers band playing great songs by Free, Bad Co, Rolling Stones, and more.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 The SHAW Quartet & Friends - Wendy Bellars on 1st violin, Annaliese MacQuaker on 2nd violin, Sean Elder on viola and Hannah Smith on cello.
📅 Sun, 6th July | 🕢 4:00pm | 📍 Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 The Last Musician of Auschwitz - Told through the words of victims of the camp who played and created music during the terrors of the Holocaust.
📅 Fri, 4th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £10

📍 Flowers & Friendship Bracelets - Get ready for a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £24.50

📍 Bearfoot Comedy - Night of stand up comedy.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £16.96

📍 Queer Chronicles : Pride Edition - Evening of thought provoking and entertaining LGBTQ+ spoken word, performance, comedy, and live music.
📅 Sun, 6th July | 🕢 5:00pm | 📍 BArty's, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £10.84

📍 Teases Gardens: 60 Acres Transformed - Special evening talk with Craig Cameron, Estate Factor at the prestigious Teasses Estate.
📅 Mon, 7th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Fife Folk Museum | 🎟️ £3

🎬 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

📍 Bennetts British Superbikes - Three action-packed days of world-class motorcycle racing.
📅 Fri, 4th - Sun, 6th July | 🕢 8:00am | 📍 Knockhill | 🎟️ Varies

📍 Learn Photography @ Fife Zoo - Full day course with Drew Cunningham and Grant Keelan for beginners, amateurs and enthusiasts.
📅 Fri, 4th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Fife Zoo | 🎟️ £50

📍 St Andrews Heritage Tour - Discover hidden gems, stories, and secrets by exploring St Andrews Castle, Cathedral, and more.
📅 Fri, 4th & Sat, 5th July | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 St Andrews War Memorial | 🎟️ £10

📍 The Salt Path - A couple walk the 630-mile Salt Path along the English coast after losing their home and facing a terminal illness.
📅 Fri, 4th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5+

📍 Lilo & Stitch - Come along and watch the newly released Lilo & Stitch.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £1+

📍 The Dunfermline Story - An illustrated talk through Dunfermline’s history by Colin Maxwell, with images by many different artists.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 12:15pm | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ £5

📍 Rodeo Day - Live country music, line & swing dance classes, bucking bronco & more!
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 The Harbour View, Kinghorn | 🎟️ £10

📍 Karate Kid Legends - Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 2:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £6.50+

📍 The Phoenician Scheme - Wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda appoints his only daughter, a nun, as sole heir to his estate.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £6.50+

📍 Forgan's St Andrews Ceilidh - Head to Forgan’s and experience one of our unforgettable ceilidhs.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 7:00pm | 📍 Forgans St Andrews | 🎟️ £6.13

📍 Fife Pride After Party - Night of fun and entertainment featuring Bonnie Banks (Drag Queen), Nicole Faraday, and Claire Sweeney!
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 The Hive, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £21.56

📍 Scottish Supermoto Championship - Watch pitbikes, MiniGP bikes, and Supermotos.
📅 Sun, 6th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 East of Scotland Kart Club, Crail | 🎟️ Free

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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

📍 Big Kid Circus in Glenrothes - The Big Kid Circus is in town with their brand new show Kingdom Of Kong!
📅 Tue, 1st - Sun, 6th July | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Warout Playing Fields, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £19.99

📍 Hillview Animal Park: Summer Visits - Come along and meet our friendly animals.
📅 Fri, 4th - Sun, 6th July | 🕢 10:00am & 1:00pm | 📍 Hillview Animal Park | 🎟️ £5

📍 Let's Get Dressed Up Costume Drop In - Selection of our school and family dressing-up box will be available for Museum visitors young and old.
📅 Fri, 4th July | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Museum Entry

📍 Lilo & Stitch - Come along and watch the newly released Lilo & Stitch.
📅 Fri, 4th July | 🕢 3:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £1+

📍 Craigtoun Country Fayre - Family-friendly day out and with free entry, free parking and lots of free entertainment.
📅 Sat, 5th & Sun, 6th July | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park | 🎟️ Free

📍 Afro-Caribbean Summer Festival - Celebration of culture, music, food, dance, community and heritage.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 Pittencrief Park, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Children's Art Day - Celebrate the start of the Summer holidays and Children's Art Day with a selection of arty projects and colouring in.
📅 Sun, 6th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

🥗 Food & Drink

📍 Mozzarella, Burrata and Stracciatella Masterclass - Learn how to make (and go home with!) milky soft pillows of mozzarella and the best of the stretched curd cheeses.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ £130.67

📍 Dunfermline Food Festival - Food stalls, cooking demonstrations, live music, and more.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Grass to Grill Tour - A showcase of our organic farming landscape and produce from Balcaskie.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 4:00pm | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ £65

📍 Sunday Summer Picnic Brunch - An elevated celebration of seasonal food, world-class Champagne and laid-back DJ sets.
📅 Sun, 6th July | 🕢 12:00pm | 📍 Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa | 🎟️ £70

🛒 Markets

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

📍 St Andrews Market - Independent producers and creatives, fresh produce and food, handmade crafts, and more.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 South Street, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

📍 Artisan Market - Market showcasing the talents of local artisans, offering a wide variety of crafts, art, and specialty goods.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 10:00am | 📍 St Andrews Town Hall | 🎟️ Free

📍 Culross Community Market - Enjoy a fantastic day of local shopping, delicious food, and live music.
📅 Sun, 6th July | 🕢 12:00pm | 📍 Culross Green | 🎟️ Free

🧶 Arts & Crafts

📍 Writing and Drawing for Comics - Join Commando comic writer, Colin Maxwell, for this class on creating comic strips.
📅 Sat, 5th July | 🕢 1:30pm | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ £5

📍 Spoon Carving Workshop - Discover the timeless art of spoon carving.
📅 Sun, 6th July | 🕢 11:00am | 📍 Fife Folk Museum | 🎟️ £20

📍 Sunday Storycraft - Session of themed crafts and stories.
📅 Sun, 6th July | 🕢 12:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Exhibitions

📍 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+

📍 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

📍 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

📍 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

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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

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!