🧭 Rosyth-Dunkirk Ferry Could Start Next Year

Good morning, Fifers!

Here’s what’s coming your way today:

• Rosyth-Dunkirk Ferry Starting Next Year?

• Nominate Your Fife Hero

• 72 Events to See This Weekend

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

— Duncan

TOP STORIES AROUND THE KINGDOM

🚢 Rosyth–Dunkirk Ferry Edges Closer to Setting Sail

The long mooted passenger and freight ferry service between Rosyth and Dunkirk could be moving closer, with hopes it could launch as early as Spring 2026. The project, led by ferry operator DFDS, has faced delays over costly border control requirements at Rosyth. However, a breakthrough may be near, with a proposed solution allowing goods checks to take place at Border Control Post at Grangemouth instead.

Dunfermline MP Graeme Downie says an agreement between the UK and EU could eventually mean no border post will be needed at all, but an interim arrangement would allow the service to start sooner. The service is part of the Forth Green Freeport strategy, and while some minor infrastructure is still required at Rosyth, discussions are ongoing to keep the timeline on track.

Rosyth last had a passenger ferry service in 2010, before switching to freight-only and eventually stopping altogether in 2018. If all goes to plan, and with political concensus growing, locals could soon have a direct link to mainland Europe once again, without the long drive to English ports. [STV News]

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LOCAL HEADLINES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 🎙️ Fife College’s Boom Radio has gained official press accreditation at the Edinburgh Fringe, giving 15 media students exclusive access to interview top performers and review shows for invaluable live industry experience.

• 🍺 The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft was spotted at The Red Lion Inn in Culross on Monday, enjoying a break between gigs while supporting Oasis at Murrayfield.

• 🚗 Dunfermline learner drivers face 24-week waits for tests, with calls urging the UK Government to crack down on reselling of slots and take action to cut delays.

• 🎓 Seven University of St Andrews projects have won prestigious RSE Research Awards, funding studies from stolen children to antibiotic use in Latin America, advancing global collaboration and Scotland’s prestige.

• 🛠 St Andrews Men’s Shed has made the final three for Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year, recognised for transforming an empty Craigtoun Park site into a thriving workshop, gardens, and community space.

• 🦔 Burntisland Hedgehog Haven founders Sharon and Andy Longhurst, who’ve rescued over 500 hedgehogs since 2023, are finalists in the BBC Make A Difference Awards for their work protecting the endangered species.

• 🚧 Overnight M90 closures between Kelty and Kinross started on Monday and will last until August 29th. The £120k works will improve carriageways with diversions in place between 7:30pm and 6:30am, Monday to Friday.

• 🥁 Lochgelly High School Pipe Band, fresh from winning European and UK titles, march into this weekend’s World Championships in Glasgow, aiming for glory a year after a heartbreaking results mix-up.

• ⚽ Fife Council and the SFA are investing £356,000 in Kelty Hearts’ New Central Park for a new synthetic pitch and upgraded floodlights, boosting both SPFL compliance and community sports access.

• 🔋 Fife Council has approved AMP Clean Energy’s plan for a micro energy storage facility at Lochgelly Recycling Centre, storing surplus electricity for local use during peak demand, with completion due within three years.

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

Each week, this section shines a spotlight on something standout in Fife, anything from a unique home for sale or a new local business, to an exciting upcoming event or a hidden gem staycation spot. Got something you think other locals should know about? Just hit reply to this email and tell us about it!

🏆 Last Chance to Nominate Fife’s Local Heroes

Time is running out to celebrate the people and projects making a difference in Fife, as nominations for the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards close on Wednesday, August 20th. Now in their fifth year, the awards honour individuals, businesses, and community initiatives that are helping to create cleaner, greener, stronger, and fairer towns across Scotland.

Categories include Town of the Year, High Street Hero (one winner per Scottish Parliament region), Place Leader of the Year, and more. Fife has a strong track record at the event with winners last year including BRAG Enterprises who won the High Street Hero Award for their Together Levenmouth Hub project’s positive impact on the local community.

Finalists will be invited to a special celebration in Edinburgh on November 5th, where winners will be announced. Make your nominations here.

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WHAT’S ON IN FIFE?

📅 Friday, 15th August

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.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Hill of Tarvit Mansion House | 🎟️ £14.88

Escape Room Experience: The Last Exhibit - Can you escape the Bell Pettigrew Museum that has been taken over by a rogue technology?
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Bell Pettigrew Museum, St Andrews | 🎟️ £15

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

Hillview Animal Park: Summer Visits - Come along and meet our friendly animals.
📁 Family | 🕢 10:00am & 1:00pm | 📍 Hillview Animal Park | 🎟️ £5

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

Story Time - Join in the fun with toys, actions, and questions, shaping the story together!
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Dunfermline Abbey Church Hall | 🎟️ Free

St Andrews Heritage Tour - Discover hidden gems, stories, and secrets by exploring St Andrews Castle, Cathedral, and more.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 2pm | 📍 St Andrews War Memorial | 🎟️ £10

Pressed Flowers Craft and Stories - We’ll be pressing foraged flowers and showing you how to use them to make bookmarks, cards and other crafts.
📁 Art | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Liam McGrandles - Celtic folk band.
📁 Music - Folk | 🕢 7pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £13.75

Free Solo - Alex Honnold faces the biggest challenge of his career, climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6

We'll Go Down in History - This is the story of TRUK United, a grassroots, proudly trans football club formed in January 2021.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £1+

The Greatest Show - A showcase of dance, singing and acting.
📁 Stage | 🕢 7pm | 📍 King's Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £13.50

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

Kings of Marigold - Step back in time with Kings of Marigold, Fife’s premier Beatles tribute act, as they return to Kirkcaldy.
📁 Music - Rock | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £12

Scott Williamson - Bringing an upbeat, powerful mix of rock, pop, indie, and soul.
📁 Music - Mix | 🕢 8:00pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ Free

📅 Saturday, 16th August

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.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Hill of Tarvit Mansion House | 🎟️ £14.88

Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship - Whether you're new to BTCC or a lifelong fan, the 2025 season promises non-stop thrills!
📁 Sport | 🕢 7:30am | 📍 Knockhill | 🎟️ Varies

Botanical Porcelain Miniatures - A one-day workshop led by a national expert.
📁 Art | 🕢 9am | 📍 Off The Rails Arthouse, Ladybank | 🎟️ £70

Model Rail - The annual St Andrews model railway exhibition is back again at the town hall and suitable for all ages.
📁 Family | 🕢 10am | 📍 St Andrews Town Hall | 🎟️ £6

SVBM 30th Anniversary Gala Weekend - Weekend of family friendly fun at the Vintage Bus Museum.
📁 Family | 🕢 10am | 📍 Scottish Vintage Bus Museum | 🎟️ £10

Hillview Animal Park: Summer Visits - Come along and meet our friendly animals.
📁 Family | 🕢 10am & 1pm | 📍 Hillview Animal Park | 🎟️ £5

Dorothy Black: Contour Lines - In this exhibition, Dorothy continues to explore themes of adornment, using the figure as a vessel for pattern and decor.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ Free

Cupar Market - Independent producers and creatives, fresh produce and food, handmade crafts, and more.
📁 Markets | 🕢 10am | 📍 Crossgate, Cupar | 🎟️ Free

Cupar Flower & Craft Show - A warm welcome awaits you at the annual Flower and Craft Show.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 10am | 📍 Corn Exchange, Cupar | 🎟️ £3

CBeebies Musical: The Great Ice Cream Hunt - It’s summer in Storyland, and Lolly the Cow is preparing a special ice cream for the Empress’ Summer Send-Off
📁 Movie | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £6.50+

Tomato Fest 2025 - A celebration of the wonderful tomato at East Neuk Market Garden: food, drinks, activites, tours and fun
📁 Food & Drink | 🕢 11am | 📍 East Neuk Market Garden | 🎟️ £8

Trail in the Park - Get ready to uncover the hidden history of the River Leven, a hands-on heritage adventure for the whole family!
📁 Family | 🕢 11am | 📍 Poplar Road (River Park), Methil | 🎟️ Free

The Bad Guys 2 - The Bad Guys are struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys.
📁 Movie | 🕢 12pm & 2pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £6.50+

Making Natural Dye with Fibreshed - Create lasting colour on natural fabrics and yarn in a soil to soil process.
📁 Art | 🕢 12pm | 📍 St Andrews Botanic Garden | 🎟️ £65

Magical Dragonfly Embellished Fiber Art Felting Workshop - Step into a world of gentle creativity.
📁 Art | 🕢 1pm | 📍 Deborah Cameron Creative Artist Studio, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £58

St Andrews Heritage Tour - Discover hidden gems, stories, and secrets by exploring St Andrews Castle, Cathedral, and more.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 2pm | 📍 St Andrews War Memorial | 🎟️ £10

Shaun of the Dead - A London salesman is forced to take refuge in a pub when a zombie apocalypse unexpectedly occurs.
📁 Movie | 🕢 2:30pm | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ £1+

Cirque: The Greatest Show - Cirque explodes into 2025 with a brand-new show, bolder, braver and more breath-taking than ever before!
📁 Theatre | 🕢 3pm & 7:30pm | 📍 Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £37+

Andrea Carlson and The Love Police - Andrea's catalogue of over 60+ songs is a mix of originals, jazz, and French Chanson.
📁 Music - Jazz | 🕢 3pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £15

Superman - In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe.
📁 Movie | 🕢 4pm & 7pm | 📍 Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ £6.50+

Hot Fuzz - A London policeman is transferred to a quiet village where he investigates a series of killings.
📁 Movie | 🕢 4:30pm | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ £1+

Stock Rod Scottish Championship - Stock Rod Scottish Championship, National Hot Rods WQR2, Superstox RS Motors W+Y Series R3, and more.
📁 Sport | 🕢 5pm | 📍 Lochgelly Raceway | 🎟️ £15

The Spirits of the Palace: After Hours Tours - Join us on an exclusive tour of the Palace and find out the fascinating spirits of Culross Palace.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 5pm | 📍 Culross Palace | 🎟️ £25

Old Skool Daytime Disco - Get ready to groove and boogie under the sun with some old school tunes.
📁 Music | 🕢 5pm | 📍 Fire Station Creative, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6.13

Racewall Nights - Action from BriSCA F2, ORCi Ministox Scottish Championship, Prostocks, Classic Hot Rods & Unlimited Bangers.
📁 Sport | 🕢 6pm | 📍 Cowdenbeath Racewall | 🎟️ £18.50

Connor Fyfe - Scottish singer/songwriter.
📁 Music - Folk | 🕢 7pm | 📍 PJ Molloys, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £13.20

The World's End - A group of friends decide to repeat a pub crawl they undertook twenty years ago, they find the town has been invaded by aliens.
📁 Movie | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Lochgelly Centre | 🎟️ £1+

Forgan's St Andrews Ceilidh - Head to Forgan’s and experience one of our unforgettable ceilidhs.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Forgans St Andrews | 🎟️ £6.13

Celine: My Heart Will Go On - This outstanding concert has been storming its way across Europe for 4 years.
📁 Music - Pop | 🕢 7:30pm | 📍 Rothes Halls, Glenrothes | 🎟️ £28

Painted Wolf - Painted Wolf return to play some fantastic tunes.
📁 Music - Rock | 🕢 9pm | 📍 The Wheatsheaf Inn, Kirkcaldy | 🎟️ Free

📅 Sunday, 17th August

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.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 Varies | 📍 Hill of Tarvit Mansion House | 🎟️ £14.88

Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship - Whether you're new to BTCC or a lifelong fan, the 2025 season promises non-stop thrills!
📁 Sport | 🕢 7:30am | 📍 Knockhill | 🎟️ Varies

Model Rail - The annual St Andrews model railway exhibition is back again at the town hall and suitable for all ages.
📁 Family | 🕢 10am | 📍 St Andrews Town Hall | 🎟️ £6

Hillview Animal Park: Summer Visits - Come along and meet our friendly animals.
📁 Family | 🕢 10am & 1pm | 📍 Hillview Animal Park | 🎟️ £5

SVBM 30th Anniversary Gala Weekend - Weekend of family friendly fun at the Vintage Bus Museum.
📁 Family | 🕢 10am | 📍 Scottish Vintage Bus Museum | 🎟️ £10

Bangers ‘n’ Flash - Chilled-out, family-friendly car show which celebrates the automobile in all its forms.
📁 Family | 🕢 10am | 📍 Craigtoun Country Park | 🎟️ £6

Fluid Art for Mindfulness - Focus on the flow and movement of the paint and interaction of the colours as the painting develops.
📁 Art | 🕢 10am | 📍 Balmalcolm Den, Balmalcolm | 🎟️ £30

The Pirates: In An Adventure With Scientists - We journey to the High Seas and join a ragtag crew for this misadventure.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 11am | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6

Game ON - Casual gaming club with a huge range of board games.
📁 Entertainment | 🕢 12:30pm | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Lion - A tender story of adoption and growing up in-between cultures.
📁 Movie | 🕢 1:30pm | 📍 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline | 🎟️ £6

Sunday Crafts - Pop along and find out what you can cut, stick, paint and make every Sunday during the summer holidays.
📁 Family | 🕢 2pm | 📍 Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Dean Friedman - American singer-songwriter who plays piano, keyboard, guitar, and harmonica.
📁 Music | 🕢 8pm | 📍 Backstage at the Green, Kinross | 🎟️ £35.20

📅 Monday, 18th August

Bookbug - Sing, rhyme, and share stories with your little ones.
📁 Family & Children | 🕢 10:30am | 📍 Kirkcaldy Galleries | 🎟️ Free

Sarah Thomson - Join us in listening to Sarah Thomson, owner of Och Aye Canoe, whose story is both inspiring and a little bit bonkers!
📁 Theatre & Stage | 🕢 6pm | 📍 Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum | 🎟️ £9.50

Archery Beginner's Course - 4-week beginner's course.
📁 Sport | 🕢 7pm | 📍 Windmill Community Campus | 🎟️ £70

🎉 Multi-Day Festivals & Exhibitions

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

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

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+

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

Futures by Nick Domminney & Landscapes by Stéphane Abbt - Exhibition featuring works from 2 local artists.
📅 Fri, 1st - Fri, 29th August | 🕢 10am (Mon-Sat) & 11am (Sun) | 📍 Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther | 🎟️ Free

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

Making Waves; Breaking Ground - Unique exhibition of large scale paintings and artwork.
📅 Sat, 16th - Sun, 31st August | 🕢 10am (Tue-Sun) | 📍 Bowhouse, St Monans | 🎟️ Free

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

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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Cheers,

Duncan

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