💥 More Homes for Fife: Council Pushes Ahead with St Columba’s & Woodmill Sale

Good morning, Fifers! With the Easter holidays now officially here, it's shaping up to be an action-packed week in the Kingdom, filled with plenty of family-friendly events.

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• 🤝 Public Vote Secures Funding for 30 Community Projects

• 🚨 Fife Council Moves Forward with Sale of St Columba's and Woodmill Sites

• 🏆 Fife Golf Trust Wins VIBES Award

• 🏒 Fife Flyers Secure New Ownership

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

— Duncan

WEATHER

The great weather is set to continue this week, with clear skies and decent temperatures taking us into the weekend. Here's the forecast:

Tuesday: 14 🌡️ 3 | ☀️

Wednesday: 11 🌡️ 3 | ⛅

Thursday: 17 🌡️ 7 | ⛅

Friday: 16 🌡️ 6 | ⛅

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🤝 Public Vote Secures Funding for 30 Community Projects

A total of £300,000 in funding has been allocated to 30 community projects across Kirkcaldy and the surrounding area following a public vote organized by Fife Council's 'You Decide' initiative. The month-long voting process concluded at the end of March, with over 5,000 votes cast. Projects were selected from four categories, with funding amounts ranging from £669 to £15,000. Key winners include:

• Community Café, Beveridge Park – £15,000: A community café for socializing in one of Kirkcaldy’s most popular parks.

• Bairns & Books – £1,600: Upgrading the children’s area to encourage family reading.

• Beehives in Ravenscraig Park – £2,000: Beehives to enhance local pollination.

• Linton Lane Centre Playpark – £13,460: Upgrading the community playpark.

• Dunnikier Country Park Sensory Garden – £15,000: A sensory garden for individuals with additional needs.

• Playground for Growth – £15,000: Modernizing playground equipment at Burntisland Primary.

• Kings Theatre Plaza Enhancement – £12,000: Enhancing the front plaza for public use.

• Opening Adam Smith's Walled Garden – £14,845: Transforming the historic walled garden into a community space.

• The Whale Park – £15,000: Developing an educational and artistic park celebrating ‘The Return of the Whales.’

• Water Sports Hub – £15,000: Establishing a hub for water sports to promote health and fitness.

🚨 Fife Council Moves Forward with Sale of St Columba's and Woodmill Sites

Fife Council has put the former St Columba’s and Woodmill high school sites in Dunfermline up for sale, with around 280 homes planned for the land. Real estate company Avison Young is marketing the sites, which span 32.8 acres, and offers must be submitted by midday on Thursday, June 5.

The sites, located either side of Woodmill Road, are being sold in two lots or as a whole, with potential for more residential units than the initial estimate of 280. The land has been cleared after the demolition of the old school buildings, and developers have been invited to submit offers.

Despite the plans moving forward, local councillors have voiced frustration over the lack of community consultation, with concerns raised about the impact on local residents. Cllr Aude Boubaker-Calder criticized the council for advancing with the sale without meaningful engagement.

Want to stay in the loop and plan ahead? Fife Insider+ members get an extended weekly event outlook and more.

LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🚮 Almost 16,000 wheelie bins were replaced in Fife over the past two years due to issues like theft, damage, and wear. Experts warn councils should encourage residents to secure bins to reduce costs and prevent further damage.

• 🏢 Fife Council admits high operating costs are discouraging small businesses from opening in Dunfermline’s city centre. With a 25% vacancy rate and declining job numbers, the council is offering grants and support to attract businesses, but the demand remains low.

• 🏙️ Dunfermline's new development framework proposes improvements across four areas: green spaces, heritage, social, and industrial zones. Key ideas include better pedestrian links, revitalizing the Glen Bridge underpass, repurposing vacant buildings, and creating a cultural hub with enhanced public spaces.

• 🚌 Stagecoach will launch the JET 787 service on May 5, connecting St Andrews to Edinburgh Airport via Guardbridge, Cupar, Auchtermuchty, and Kinross. The service will offer comfortable coaches with luggage storage and improve regional travel.

• 🏠 Taylor Wimpey has submitted detailed plans for 233 new homes at Halbeath, marking the first phase of a larger 1,400-home development. The project, part of the North Dunfermline Strategic Development Area, will also include a new primary school, shops, community facilities, and improved transport links.

• 🎸 Midge Ure will headline Rockore Festival this summer at Lochore Meadows Country Park on August 23. Known for his hit "Vienna" with Ultravox, Ure will take the stage following past performances by Suzi Quatro and other stars.

• 🏗️ Muir Homes has begun construction on 35 new homes at Fulmar Way, Dalgety Bay, following successful planning permission after multiple rejections. The development will transform a derelict site at Donibristle Industrial Park.

• ☕ Clock Tower Cafe in Pittenweem will close temporarily on April 26 as the family-run team steps down after three years. New management will take over, with a reopening date yet to be set.

• 🏛️ The long-awaited city square project in Dunfermline, expected to cost £1.6 million, is now set to begin in early 2025, with an estimated completion time of 12-15 months. The project will include a farmers' market area, community orchard, seating, and a hub with public amenities.

• 🍺 The North Queensferry community's bid to buy and reopen the historic Albert Hotel, their only pub, has been rejected by the Scottish Government. The decision, citing concerns over the sustainability of the business case, has disappointed locals.

• 📊 New figures reveal that 18% of children in Fife were living in poverty last year, equating to 11,038 children. Charities warn that planned welfare reforms could push more families into poverty, with some projecting a rise in child poverty rates if cuts go ahead.

AROUND FIFE

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

🏆 Fife Golf Trust Wins VIBES Award

Fife Golf Trust (FGT) received recognition at the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards, securing a commendation in the Nature Rich Scotland Award category. Established in 2012, FGT manages seven golf courses in Fife, focusing on sustainability and biodiversity.

The Trust has implemented measures such as creating meadows, wetlands, and watercourse naturalisation, while reducing water consumption by 40%. Their efforts, including the 'Golf for Health' program, promote golf as an accessible, nature-based activity for all.

🏒 New Chapter Begins for Fife Flyers as Ownership Transition Moves Forward

Fife Flyers Ice Hockey Club is set to enter an exciting new era following the announcement that an agreement in principle has been reached to secure the team’s future. Current owners Tom Muir and Jack Wishart, who announced their retirement in January 2025 after 28 years of leading the club, have been working to find new ownership that will take the Flyers forward in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

While details of the new ownership group have yet to be formally revealed, all parties are said to be committed to completing the transition and ensuring a smooth handover. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the club,” the team said in a statement, promising fresh leadership, renewed energy, and a shared vision that builds on the Flyers’ rich history.

The Flyers ended their season on a high with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against Manchester Storm in front of a home crowd. Charles-Antoine Paiement sealed the win with a glove-side finish, capping off an emotional night and setting the tone for what’s to come.

@THEFIFEINSIDER

📍 Picture by Kris Dundas | Location: Fife Coastline near Crail

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WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

✨ Featured Event

Hosting something fun in Fife? We'd love to include it! Just drop us a line at [email protected]

🎶 Live Music & Concerts

📍 Foster & Allen: 50 Years of Hits – Celebrate 50 years of music with all the songs that made them famous, including hits like ‘Bunch of Thyme’ and ‘Old Flames’.
📅 Tue, 8th April | 🕒 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £26.00

📍 Nathan Carter: Music Man Tour 2025 – Ireland's top entertainer Nathan Carter performs his latest album Music Man, blending pop, Irish folk, and country music, including hits like Wagon Wheel and I Wanna Dance.
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £34

📍 Crail Folk Club: Skinner & T’witch – Expect a night of witty, theatrical folk with a twist of flamenco and music-hall flair. This UK-based duo bring satire, storytelling, and rich harmonies in a performance praised as "an absolute must-see."
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 Crail Community Hall, Crail | 🎟️ £12

📍 Steve Warner: Folk Music on Tenor Guitar – Enjoy an evening of storytelling and soulful folk music with Steve Warner as part of his UK tour.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 St Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Leven | 🎟️ Free

📍 Shaun Ryder: Happy Mondays and Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays – Rock legend and TV personality Shaun Ryder brings his wild stories, wit, and wisdom to the stage in a spoken word tour supporting his new book.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £30

🎭 Theatre & Stage

📍 Solitude without Loneliness – A contemporary dance performance exploring the complex relationship between solitude and loneliness, blending text, movement, and absurdity.
📅 Wed, 9th April | 🕡 6:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £17

📍 Chicago – The Broadway hit comes to Dunfermline! Murder, fame, and jazz collide in this dazzling local production.
📅 Thu, 10th - Sat, 12th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £17

📍 National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest – Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy gets a vibrant reimagining with Sharon D. Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa.
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £16.50

📍 That Knave, Raleigh – Dive into the dazzling, dramatic life of Sir Walter Raleigh in this powerful one-man play by Dyad Productions. From glory to downfall, it's a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and legacy.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £16

🎬 Entertainment

📍 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 – Join Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face off against the mysterious and powerful villain, Shadow, in this action-packed adventure.
📅 Wed, 9th April | 🕒 2:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

📍 Paddington in Peru – Join Paddington as he returns to Peru for an adventure with the Brown family and a mystery that leads them on an unexpected journey.
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕒 2:00pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £5

📍 Game ON at Kirkcaldy Galleries – Join the casual gaming club for a fun, friendly atmosphere with a variety of games, from quick rounds to epic sessions. No booking required, just drop in and enjoy!
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕔 5:00pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 National Theatre Live: Dr Strangelove – Watch the explosive comedy masterpiece, starring Steve Coogan in the first-ever adaptation of Kubrick’s classic, directed by Armando Iannucci.
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕡 6:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £20

📍 Jim Davidson: The Next Chapter – Controversial comedy legend Jim Davidson returns with a brand-new show filled with sharp wit, bold takes, and unapologetic humour.
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £27.50

📍 St Andrews Heritage Tour – Step back in time and explore the East End of St Andrews with knowledgeable local guides. Discover hidden gems, historic sites like the Castle, Cathedral, and Harbour, and hear the stories of the people who shaped the town.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕦 11:30am | 📍 War Memorial, Gregory Lane, St Andrews | 🎟️ £10

📍 W3L Wrestling Showdown – Buckhaven – Get ready for body slams, high-flying action, and family-friendly fun as the World Wide Wrestling League brings top international wrestling stars to town.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕕 6:15pm | 📍 Buckhaven Community Centre, Buckhaven | 🎟️ £14.79

📍 Mhairi Black: Politics Isn’t for Me – Ex-MP Mhairi Black brings her dark humour to the stage, offering an honest and hilarious behind-the-scenes look at Westminster politics.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ Sold Out

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids

📍 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

📍 Busy Buzzy Bees – Create your own fluffy, stripey bee with artist Kate Clarke and a special box to carry it home!
📅 Tue, 8th April | 🕥 10:30am | 📍 Rosyth Library, Rosyth | 🎟️ £2

📍 Springtastic Holiday Fun: Bluey Event – Enjoy a Bluey-themed craft and story event for young fans of the popular show!
📅 Tue, 8th April | 🕚 11:00am | 📍 Cowdenbeath Library, Cowdenbeath | 🎟️ Free

📍 Play on Wheels – A fun, free family play session with crafts, songs, and story time!
📅 Tue, 8th April | 🕛 12:00pm & 2:00pm | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📍 Springtastic Holiday Fun: Bluey Event – Enjoy a Bluey-themed craft and story event for young fans of the popular show!
📅 Tue, 8th April | 🕚 3:00pm | 📍 Cadham Library, Cadham | 🎟️ Free

📍 Unearthed: Dino Eggs – Make an Easter egg with a roar-some surprise, no soft centres here!
📅 Wed, 9th April | 🕒 10:30am | 📍 St Andrews Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

📍 Bookbug at Rothes Halls – Enjoy free, fun, and friendly sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers! Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Wed, 9th April | 🕑 10:30am | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

📍 Bookbug at Burntisland Library – Enjoy free, fun, and friendly sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers! Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Wed, 9th April | 🕑 10:30am | 📍 Burntisland Library, Burntisland | 🎟️ Free

📍 Dungeons and Dragons – Embark on a quest, battle enemies, and create unforgettable adventures in this beginner-friendly D&D event for ages 12-16.
📅 Wed, 9th - Sat, 12th April | 🕒 11:00am (Wed - Fri) & 1:00pm (Sat) | 📍 Methil Heritage Centre, Methil | 🎟️ Free

📍 Spring Eggstravaganza – Enjoy a themed family breakfast event filled with stories, crafts, and an egg hunt before a delicious breakfast.
📅 Thu, 10th & Sat, 12th April | 🕒 9:30am | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £5

📍 Bookbug at Methil Heritage Centre – Enjoy free, fun, and friendly sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers! Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕑 10:00am | 📍 Methil Heritage Centre, Methil | 🎟️ Free

📍 The Railway Children Return – Join a new group of children on an exciting journey during World War 2 in this heartwarming sequel to the 1970 classic.
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕥 10:30am | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £8

📍 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).
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕐 2:00pm | 📍 Logie Farm, Newburgh | 🎟️ £13.70

📍 Kids' Dens: LEGO Club – Join the LEGO Club to create masterpieces, learn new skills, and have fun building with a new theme each week.
📅 Thu, 10th April | 🕒 3:30pm | 📍 Dalgety Bay Library, Dalgety Bay | 🎟️ £2

📍 Crazy Creatures Workshop – Join artist Kate Clarke to create your own mythical beast using a crazy creature generator and illustrate it.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕑 10:30am | 📍 Dalgety Bay Library, Dalgety Bay | 🎟️ £2

📍 Bounce – A hilarious comedy show where 'Challenge Enthusiasts' face the Marshmallow Challenge! A fun exploration of emotions and resilience, perfect for kids.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕚 11:00am & 2:00pm | 📍 Byre Theatre, St Andrews | 🎟️ £8

📍 Springtastic Holiday Fun: Bluey Event – Enjoy a Bluey-themed craft and story event for young fans of the popular show!
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕚 11:00am | 📍 Templehall Library, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🥗 Food & Drink

🛒 Markets

📍 Artisan Fridays Market – A lively weekly food market offering hot & cold food on Kirkcaldy High Street.
📅 Fri, 11th April | 🕘 9:00am | 📍 Kirkcaldy High Street, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

🎨 Exhibitions

📍 Before and After Coal: Images and Voices from Scotland’s Mining Communities – Explore the impact of coal mining through powerful photography and personal stories from Scottish mining communities.
📅 Sat, 7th December - Sun, 20th April | 🕒 10:00am | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📍 Unearthed – Step back in time to discover how Scotland was formed, explore prehistoric creatures, and uncover treasures from Fife’s past.
📅 Sat, 8th February - Sat, 27th September | 🕒 10:30am | 📍 St Andrews Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ Free

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

📍 Pam Thompson: There is ‘Still Life’ After Brain Surgery – Experience the inspiring artwork of Pam Thompson, created through her journey of brain surgery and living with Multiple Sclerosis, with all profits donated to Brainstrust.
📅 Wed, 5th March - Fri, 11th April | 🕒 10:00am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ 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

📍 Sarah Wakeford ‘SkyLight’ – Explore the beautiful skyscapes inspired by the wild landscapes of Scotland, blending light, atmosphere, and emotional experience.
📅 Tue, 8th April | 🕒 9:00am - 5:00pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ Free

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SPORTS

Fixtures

No fixtures in the next 4 days.

Results

⚽ Raith Rovers 1-0 Ayr
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Dunfermline Athletic 0-1 Hamilton
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 Championship

⚽ Kelty Hearts 0-6 Dumbarton
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 1

⚽ Forfar 1-0 East Fife
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 League 2

🏉 Kirkcaldy 21-22 Hillhead Jordanhill
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 15:00 | 🏆 National League Cup

🏒 Fife Flyers 5-4 Manchester Storm
📅 Sat, 5 April | 🕒 19:15 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

🏒 Dundee Stars 6-1 Fife Flyers
📅 Sun, 6 April | 🕒 17:00 | 🏆 Elite Ice Hockey League

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!