Courier Fife

Call for independent investigation into Fife chief constable's car crash

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:39:00 +0000

Police in Fife are probing the circumstances surrounding a head-on car crash involving their own chief constable, it has emerged.

'The very worst' — staff nurse lists serious problems at Victoria Hospital

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:51:00 +0000

A staff nurse has called on health chiefs to take action after lifting the lid on what she believes is a shocking state of affairs at a Fife hospital.

Fife Council promises public won't be caught short by toilet closures

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:18:00 +0000

Assurances have been given that no public toilets in Fife will be closed until suitable alternatives have been found.

Drainage problems delay St Andrews road closure

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:49:00 +0000

A planned closure of a St Andrews street to cater for resurfacing works has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

Anstruther RNLI stalwart chalks up 30 years of service

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:46:00 +0000

A volunteer with the Anstruther lifeboat has passed yet another milestone.

Council budgets: Fife toilets facing the axe to save £200,000

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:40:00 +0000

Every public toilet in Fife — with the exception of St Andrews Church Square and automatic conveniences — could be closed in an effort to save Fife Council £200,000 a year.

Former St Andrews University PhD student fined for homophobic abuse

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:04:00 +0000

A former St Andrews University PhD student who committed a prolonged homophobic offence in the town has been fined £720.

Historic Dunfermline industrial buildings to become an 'urban village'

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:41:00 +0000

A multi-million-pound urban village will transform a historic town centre remnant of Dunfermline's past.

Artist Jack Vettriano fined for drink and drug offences

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:40:00 +0000

Artist Jack Vettriano has apologised to a court after admitting drink-driving and possessing drugs in Fife.

Police open investigation into sudden closure of property firm Clear Lets

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:54:00 +0000

Hundreds of tenants and landlords across Fife have been left out of pocket after a lettings firm closed suddenly.

Fife Council tenants facing 6.6% rise in rents

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:38:00 +0000

Council house rents in Fife will increase by 6.6% for 2012/13, it has emerged.

'Like a horror movie' — mother forced to give birth on pavement after buzzer confusion at Victoria Hospital maternity unit

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:22:00 +0000

A young mum had to give birth on the pavement outside a new maternity hospital because she was pressing the wrong door buzzer, it has emerged.

Woman 'critical but stable' after crash near Cowdenbeath

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:54:00 +0000

A woman seriously injured in a road accident in Fife remained in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Council leader describes opponent's Kingdom Bakers comments as 'shameful'

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:12:00 +0000

Fife Council's leader has given his full backing to officers for their efforts to safeguard jobs at Kingdom Bakers in Kirkcaldy following criticism from his opposite number this week.

NHS Fife hopes journey planner will alleviate travel problems at Victoria Hospital

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:26:00 +0000

NHS Fife is urging patients and visitors to use a dedicated journey planner to help them find the easiest way to get to Victoria Hospital by public transport.

Architect's report raises questions about Cardenden Travellers' site plan

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:38:00 +0000

Fife Council is reconsidering a proposed Cardenden Travellers' site over concerns about escalating costs.

North-east Fife property market showing signs of strength

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:54:00 +0000

One part of Fife seems to be bucking the trend when it comes to buying and selling houses during the recession.

Bank staff praised for preventing pensioner losing money to conmen

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:43:00 +0000

Vigilant staff at a Glenrothes bank have been commended by police after they prevented a pensioner being conned out of thousands of pounds.

Labour group leader accuses Fife Council of being the 'catalyst' in Kingdom Bakers' demise

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:51:00 +0000

Fife Council has been accused of speeding up the demise of a crisis-hit bakery.

Fife-wide probe after pinhole camera found in Beacon Leisure Centre changing rooms

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:02:00 +0000

An investigation is under way after a spy camera was found in a changing cubicle of a Fife sports centre.

Dunfermline social care worker struck off

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:30:00 +0000

A Fife social care worker has been struck off after being found guilty of misconduct.

Authorities urged to ensure Fife workforce is ready to reap benefits of Samsung investment

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Labour politicians have called for assurances Fife workers will benefit from Samsung's jobs windfall.

Crowning glory — famous St Andrews building regains its dome

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:05:00 +0000

An iconic St Andrews hotel passed a significant milestone in its restoration journey when a vital missing part of its original Victorian grandeur was put back in place on Wednesday.

Old Course Hotel warns Kenly Farm windfarm could damage St Andrews' appeal

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:42:00 +0000

The home of golf could lose its appeal if plans for a windfarm on the outskirts of St Andrews are given the go-ahead.

Cellardyke plan clears way for someone to live in a public toilet block

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:09:00 +0000

Plans to convert former toilets in Cellardyke into a house have been approved by Fife councillors.

Pitreavie Playgroup finds not even children's charity collections are safe from thieves

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Thieves have stolen a children's charity collection.

Defence secretary confirms plan to use Leuchars base for returning army troops still stands

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:04:00 +0000

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) remains intent on moving the army into Leuchars following the RAF's departure, despite fears the proposal was in jeaopardy.

Kingdom Bakers collapsed owing £93,000 debt to Fife Council

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:48:00 +0000

A crisis-hit bakery owes Fife Council at least £93,000 in non-domestic rates arrears, The Courier understands.

Sapientia et doctrina — Fife pupils learning the age-old benefits of Latin

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Kirkcaldy High School pupils have decided the best way to ''carpe diem'' is to learn Latin.

135 jobs lost with collapse of Kirkcaldy firm Kingdom Bakers

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Fife has been dealt a savage jobs blow with confirmation that 135 bakery workers have been made redundant following the collapse of an independent Fife firm.

Tragic Fife couple's case leads to calls for national norovirus review

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:55:00 +0000

Cowdenbeath MSP Helen Eadie has called for an urgent investigation into hospital hygiene following the deaths of an elderly couple who contracted the deadly winter vomiting bug.

Local consultation finds strong resistance to Rosyth being used for nuclear storage

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:39:00 +0000

Rosyth has said an overwhelming no to nuclear waste from redundant submarines being stored locally.

Stagecoach defends services to Victoria Hospital

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:23:00 +0000

Stagecoach has hit back at claims there are no services to and from west Fife to the Victoria Hospital.

Fife police officer injured in high-speed crash reaches damages agreement

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:46:00 +0000

A police officer who was forced to retire after being injured during a high-speed crash on a driver training course has settled a claim against Fife Constabulary.

Strong local campaign defeats immediate threat to Queen Margaret Hospital hospice

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:18:00 +0000

A closure-threatened Fife hospice has been saved — for now.

Take a hike — Victoria Hospital chief suggests parking problems can be tackled with some simple steps

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:10:00 +0000

NHS staff have been told to get on their feet and walk following complaints about hospital parking.

Thornton woman admits attempting £8,000 car fraud

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:26:00 +0000

A Fife woman designed an elaborate fraud in a bid to solve her money worries, a court has heard.

Police make Tayport troublemakers face some home truths

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:36:00 +0000

Police have given a gang of Tayport teenage troublemakers a dressing down in front of their parents in a bid to make them stop terrorising their community.

Man appears on culpable homicide charge after death of Leslie man Stephen McCann

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:22:00 +0000

A man has appeared in court in connection with the death of 20-year-old Stephen McCann at the weekend.

Dysart Sailing Club members convinced devastating fire was started deliberately

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:45:00 +0000

A popular Fife sailing club has been destroyed by what appears to have been a deliberate fire.

'An irreplaceable void' — husband describes anguish after hospital fall tragedy

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Alf Mowat surrounds himself with reminders of his beloved Josie — to try to block out his final heartbreaking image of her.

Lorry drivers in hospital after crash in north Fife

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:48:00 +0000

Two lorry drivers were seriously injured in a crash in north Fife on Monday.

Man charged after fatal accident in Leslie

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:10:00 +0000

A man has been charged in connection with a fatal accident in Leslie at the weekend.

Clatto Landscape Protection Group makes plea to Fife Council

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:59:00 +0000

Communities affected by plans for wind turbines on a prominent site in Fife have called on council officials to assess the likely visual impact.

Fife Council property chief confident Madras College project will deliver 'a first class, 21st century school'

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:09:00 +0000

Council officials working on the project to replace Madras College in St Andrews have promised to deliver a ''first class'' school fit for the 21st century as controversy over the chosen site continues.

NHS Fife apologises for failings leading up to elderly woman's death

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:06:00 +0000

NHS Fife has apologised to a grieving family over a catalogue of failings which blighted an elderly patient's final days.

No sweat — health professionals step in to save heart attack man in Fife gym

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:50:00 +0000

A fitness fan was in the right place at the right time to have a heart attack.

'So happy, bubbly and carefree' — family mourn loss of Rosyth woman Mandi Callander

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:21:00 +0000

Wedding joy has turned to heartbreak, after a young Fife bride lost her courageous fight for life only weeks after her big day.

Detention and 10-year internet checks for teenager who forced girl to send sex images

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:39:00 +0000

A Fife schoolboy who used the internet to blackmail a young girl into supplying him with sexually explicit images of herself has been given an extended sentence.

New fears for Leuchars base in wake of MoD job cuts announcement

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:23:00 +0000

Further cuts to the armed forces have raised renewed fears about what the future truly holds for RAF Leuchars.

Nine-month suspension for nurse who stole drugs from Victoria Hospital

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:34:00 +0000

A Fife nurse who ordered drugs for her own use has been suspended for nine months.

Clatto Hill windfarm developer says cut-down proposal is in response to community feedback

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:36:00 +0000

Developers behind a controversial windfarm proposal in Fife have offered to downsize the scale of the project in light of concerns from members of the public.

'I was watching a black leopard' — another big cat sighting in Fife

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:21:00 +0000

A big cat said to roam the Fife countryside has been spotted again.

Fife's major accident and emergency change starts on Thursday

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:39:00 +0000

Accident and emergency services based at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline will make the switch to the new wing at Victoria on Thursday morning.

Winter vomiting bug closes two Victoria Hospital wards

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:04:00 +0000

Two wards at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy have been closed to new admissions by an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

Fife Licensed Trade Association concerned by rumours of Wetherspoon moving into St Andrews

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:18:00 +0000

The premises of an established St Andrews eatery could be taken over by pub giant Wetherspoon.

Gordon Brown demands MoD action after new find outside Dalgety Bay radiation probe area

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:10:00 +0000

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has demanded the Ministry of Defence provides a timetable for action to clear radiation from a Fife beach amid revelations the area of contamination is wider than first thought.

Inspection finds west Fife taxi fleet in 'exceptional' condition

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:23:00 +0000

West Fife taxis have scored an ''exceptional'' 100% pass rate in annual inspections.

Look what was passing through Fife while you slept

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:01:00 +0000

A massive steam turbine made slow but steady progress across central Fife over the weekend, although most residents probably wouldn't have batted an eyelid.

Opponents lay out objections at start of Rosyth container terminal inquiry

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Residents opposing a container terminal at Rosyth have made a last-ditch plea for the project to be scrapped ahead of a public inquiry into the proposals.

VIDEO: Trailer trouble on the Forth Road Bridge during December 28 storm

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:55:00 +0000

Shocking footage of a lorry's trailer being blown over on the Forth Road Bridge should serve as a timely warning to motorists, according to the bridge's operators.

Scottish Natural Heritage urges caution at Tentsmuir reserve after mortar bomb discoveries

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:20:00 +0000

Walkers at a popular Fife beauty spot have been urged to be cautious after the discovery of a number of wartime mortar bombs.

Outbuilding at 17th century mansion Melville House hit by fire

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Thick plumes of smoke could be seen for miles around the village of Monimail in north-east Fife after a blaze broke out in an outbuilding at Melville House.

NHS Fife investigating claims elderly patient was left on hospital trolley for 14 hours

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:50:00 +0000

An elderly woman was left on a hospital trolley in Fife without food and drink for 14 hours, it has been claimed.

Anstruther's Cellar Restaurant put on the market

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:34:00 +0000

A Fife eatery which has been described as one of the East Neuk's ''gems'' has been put up for sale.

Councillors claim vulnerable residents are being let down by Fife's use of private care staff

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:03:00 +0000

Vulnerable Fifers are being failed by private home care companies at weekends, it has been claimed.

Council seeks permission to end 20-year saga of abandoned Leslie house

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:38:00 +0000

A derelict house in Leslie which has lain empty for more than 20 years could be bought by Fife Council, The Courier has learned.

Fife online shopper's complaint helped to break fake goods operation

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:19:00 +0000

Fife trading standards helped in an operation which resulted in a couple being jailed for a fake shoes scam.

£400 fine for Dunfermline dog owner

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:52:00 +0000

A Dunfermline man who let his dog bite a couple as they strolled through a park has been fined £400.

Extra six months for Castle Huntly absconder

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:20:00 +0000

A Castle Huntly inmate who went AWOL over Christmas after his girlfriend took an overdose has had six months added to his sentence.

Sheriff clears hospital staff and questions need for fatal accident inquiry into Cowdenbeath man's death

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:01:00 +0000

The death of a Fife man whose bowel was perforated by a gastric feeding tube could not have been prevented, a sheriff has ruled.

Shell find prompts call for explosives warning at Tentsmuir Beach

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:48:00 +0000

A call has been made for warning signs at a Fife beach where there have been regular finds of mortar bombs and shells.

Fife Council pulls plug on Glenrothes fairground

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:10:00 +0000

There will be no more fairground attraction at a Glenrothes site following a ban by Fife Council.

Educationalist criticises Madras College plan as a 'sub-optimal' compromise

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:32:00 +0000

One of Scotland's leading educationalists has warned that Fife Council's plans for Madras College do not put pupils at the fore.

Man taken to hospital after stand-off in water at Kirkcaldy esplanade

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 09:57:00 +0000

A major rescue swung into action in Kirkcaldy on Friday as a man threatened to end his life.

Kinghorn lifeboat crew reflect on the highs and lows of 2011

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:39:00 +0000

Kinghorn's lifeboat crew has just come through one of the most traumatic years in its history.

Fife Council apologises after being swamped by storm calls

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:43:00 +0000

Fife Council has apologised to residents after being overwhelmed by calls during Tuesday's storm.

Kirkcaldy man Andrew Dobie killed in accident near Mossmorran plant

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:56:00 +0000

A spate of accidents on Fife's roads on Thursday saw a man killed and a woman taken to hospital.

Tributes to Cambridge University student Calum Burt after Fife train tragedy

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:15:00 +0000

Tributes have been paid to a west Fife student who died in a train tragedy on New Year's Day.

Anstruther driver claims Fife Council uses stalling tactics to limit pothole payouts

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:08:00 +0000

An angry motorist has criticised Fife Council after enduring an 11-month fight for compensation for damage caused to his car by a large pothole.

Kishor Dangol adapting to life back in Nepal after failed asylum fight

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:51:00 +0000

An asylum seeker who was deported from his adopted home of Fife last year is rebuilding his life in Nepal.

'If I wanted to see meerkats, I would have gone to a zoo' — St Andrews Aquarium under fire

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:24:00 +0000

One of Fife's top tourist attractions, the St Andrews Aquarium, has come under fire for having ''no interesting fish.''

Fife's Secret Garden Nursery the star of Sundance Film Festival documentary

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:44:00 +0000

A unique Fife nursery is to feature on the silver screen this month.

MSP maintains pressure on ScotRail for Fife morning service rethink

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:52:00 +0000

A Fife MSP says a review of controversial changes to an early-morning commuter train must come soon.

Walker finds another artillery shell on Tentsmuir beach

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:36:00 +0000

A Halbeath man found an unexploded Second World War artillery shell on Tentsmuir beach on Friday.

Estonian thief outwitted by Apple's 'Find My iPad' tool

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:37:00 +0000

A hapless kitchen worker who smashed into a Fife restaurant before making off with more than £4,000 worth of goods was snared after a tracking device in a computer he stole showed he had stashed his haul in a Dundee flat.

North East Fife MP warns against 'retrograde' closure of local courts

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:18:00 +0000

The closure of dozens of Scottish courts, including those in Cupar and Forfar, would be a ''seriously retrograde'' step, a senior MP has warned.

Campaign group backs councillor's call for Fife to stop and think about its windfarm future

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:31:00 +0000

Calls for a moratorium on wind turbine applications in Fife have been backed by a campaign group.

Tullis Russell managing director praises 'magnificent' work of fire crews

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:52:00 +0000

The fact no one was injured when fire ripped through a Fife papermill, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage, has been attributed to the courage of fire and rescue crews.

Saline windfarm monitoring mast approved after Government reporter overturns Fife Council refusal

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Proposals for a 70-metre windfarm monitoring mast have been approved after a planning decision was overturned.

Tullis Russell papermill fire treated as suspicious

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:43:00 +0000

A major investigation has been launched after a series of fires swept through a Fife papermill.

'I'm crying because I'm happy' — Fifers' generosity brings joy amid despair for family made homeless by fire

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:29:00 +0000

A family who lost everything in a fire have thanked generous Fifers who saved Christmas for their children.

Kirkcaldy community steps in to try to save Christmas for families left homeless by fire

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Fifers have rallied round families who lost everything in a Kirkcaldy fire just before Christmas.

NHS Fife preparing to welcome new chief executive

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:45:00 +0000

John Wilson is set to take over from George Brechin as chief executive of NHS Fife.

Abusive partner told police he had been 'toy fighting'

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:56:00 +0000

A man who drank half a bottle of whisky before attacking his partner later told police they had just been ''toy fighting''.

Sex offender given film making ban after air show incident

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:37:28 +0000

A film-maker who preyed on children at Leuchars air show was yesterday handed a 10-year Sexual Offences Protection Order (SOPO) banning him from making videos featuring youngsters.

Forth Replacement Crossing project delivers £20m jobs lift to Scotland

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:56:14 +0000

The new Forth Replacement Crossing project has already delivered a £20 million early Christmas present to Scottish firms — with more to come — in a jobs boost for the country.

Joy as family bring baby Riley home for Christmas

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:37:34 +0000

''It's the best Christmas present ever!'' — Proud young Dundee mum Leigh Welsh kisses and cuddles her recently-born baby son Riley as they prepare to leave Ninewells Hospital and join Riley's new family for Christmas.

Increasing levels of deprivation shock for Fife

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:20:44 +0000

An increasing proportion of Scotland's most deprived areas are in Fife, according to grim statistics.

NHS Fife faces 'incredibly difficult' fight to cut spending

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:46:52 +0000

NHS Fife is struggling to break even as it identifies efficiency savings of £13.5 million.

Brave cancer battle girl Georgia really is a little star

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:01:04 +0000

A Fife youngster who has bravely battled kidney cancer has had her amazing courage recognised with a special award.

Minister marks offshore renewables milestone at Energy Park Fife

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:39:00 +0000

Energy, enterprise and tourism minister Fergus Ewing marked a milestone in Scotland's offshore renewables sector during a visit to Methil.

First wards make switch to new Victoria Hospital wing

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:24:10 +0000

After months of planning and preparation, the new wing at Kirkcaldy's Victoria Hospital is a hive of activity as the first wards make the move into the state-of-the-art surroundings.

Welfare and benefits reforms pressure increases, says agency

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Fife's leading advice and rights agency is under ever-increasing pressure because of welfare reforms, its chief executive has revealed.

Diageo considers further Fife expansion

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:34:00 +0000

Drinks giant Diageo is considering a further expansion in Fife.

MoD agrees to visit Dalgety Bay radiation beach

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:51:59 +0000

The Ministry of Defence has finally agreed to visit a Fife beach contaminated with radiation.

Reporter's ruling puts demolition of Pickletillum Inn back on the agenda

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:07:00 +0000

A historic drovers' inn in north-east Fife is once more under threat of demolition after a developer's planning appeal was upheld by the Scottish Government.

Cupar teenager fined for subjecting boy to racist abuse

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:32:00 +0000

A pupil enjoying a day out with friends was left terrified when he was subjected to racial abuse from a drunken teenager.

Crown seeking Sexual Offences Protection Order against Strathkinness teenager

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:59:00 +0000

Prosecutors in the case of a schoolboy who used social media sites to blackmail a young girl into supplying him with sexually explicit images of herself are to seek a Sexual Offences Protection Order (SOPO).

Pittencrieff Primary School theft leaves a bitter taste

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:26:00 +0000

A Dunfermline primary school has been the victim of an unusual raid. The thieves didn't go for the usual targets of money or IT equipment — instead, the school has seen dozens of its bags of salt stolen.

Flight concerns at centre of Largoward wind turbines refusal

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:50:00 +0000

A Cupar businessman's proposal for two 100m wind turbines has been thrown out by Fife councillors.

Owner says international firm looking at former Hyundai site as base for new HQ

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:42:00 +0000

A global company could be opening its international headquarters at Dunfermline's mothballed Hyundai site.

Free school bus rules face review as Fife Council struggles to save £90 million

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:37:00 +0000

Free school bus travel for hundreds of Fife school children could be axed as the council faces a desperate struggle to balance the books.

Buckhaven man found guilty of assaulting partner in Dundee guest house

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:19:00 +0000

A Fife couple's night away in Dundee to patch up their rocky relationship ended in violence, the city's sheriff court has heard.

Kirkcaldy man demands apology after winning three-year social care bill fight

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:02:00 +0000

A disabled Kirkcaldy man who refused to pay a bill for home care he claimed he did not receive has won his three-year fight with the council.

Senior councillor says Fife has to take a more considered approach to wind turbines

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:18:00 +0000

Fife's main opposition leader has called for a moratorium on wind turbines following concerns about the number in the pipeline.

Labour councillors promise a Glenrothes sport centre poll replay

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:41:00 +0000

A controversial consultation to decide the name of the new Glenrothes sports centre will be rerun if Labour take control following council elections.

Diggers move in to demolish house of Buckhaven killer Robert Thomson

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:44:00 +0000

A house in Buckhaven where a father murdered his two children is being razed to the ground this week.

Cowdenbeath quarry applies to erect 100m wind turbine

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:46:00 +0000

A Fife quarry has been earmarked as the potential site for a 100m wind turbine.

Christmas spirit is strong in St Andrews

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:40:00 +0000

St Andrews Community Council laid on a Christmas party to remember for the town's senior citizens at the weekend, despite a power cut threatening its cancellation.

Council will try to recoup costs of Glenrothes flats demolition from private owners

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:35:00 +0000

Fife Council will attempt to reclaim the costs of reducing two blocks of flats declared ''unfit for human habitation'' to rubble.

St Andrews police getting ready for a move

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:17:00 +0000

A Fife police station will soon be on the move after the region's police authority and NHS reached agreement on the plans.

X Factor contestant Jade Richards preparing for a stage closer to home

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:55:00 +0000

The X Factor's loss is Dunfermline's gain as Fife's Jade Richards takes to the panto stage for the first time.

Drink-driving conviction quashed after judges rule legislation does not apply to mobility scooters

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:09:00 +0000

A man who was banned from driving after being caught under the influence on a mobility scooter has had his conviction overturned.

Kirkcaldy man guilty of bottle attack that cost victim an eye

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:17:00 +0000

A Kirkcaldy man has been found guilty of causing the horrific injuries that cost a student an eye and nearly his life.

Woman who died in road accident near Kennoway named as Rosemary Fairbairn

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:44:00 +0000

A woman who died in a road accident near Kennoway on Thursday has today been named by police.

MoD's Dalgety Bay beach radiation inaction criticised at Holyrood

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:44:00 +0000

Nicola Sturgeon has added to growing calls for the Ministry of Defence to tackle radiation at a Fife beach.

Man charged after sports car torched in Kennoway

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:56:00 +0000

A Fife man has been arrested and charged in connection with the torching of a luxury car in Kennoway last month.

FMC Technologies opens 100m Dunfermline wind turbine — and changes the skyline

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:19:00 +0000

FMC Technologies opened a 1.5-megawatt wind turbine at its Dunfermline plant on Wednesday.

Kirkcaldy woman appears on attempted murder charge

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:35:00 +0000

A 25-year-old woman has appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on petition charged with attempted murder.

Leuchars defence future: The Courier examines prospects for Fife base

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:26:00 +0000

The suggested ''unravelling'' of plans to reconfigure army bases in Scotland could pave the way for Leuchars to be named as the location for the country's new multi-role brigade (MRB), a military expert has told The Courier.

£1m price drop fails to tempt Fife Council to opt for new Madras College at Pipeland Farm

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:10:00 +0000

Fife Council has dismissed Muir Group's latest bid to build a new Madras College on a swathe of greenbelt land.

Fife pair's Raytheon factory accident injuries described as 'life changing'

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:02:00 +0000

Investigations are continuing into an explosion at a Glenrothes engineering factory which seriously injured two men.

St Andrews woman facing £173,000 bill after failed legal challenge to development plan

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:34:00 +0000

A St Andrews woman facing a £173,000 bill for challenging development plans is prepared to take her legal battle further.

Village left without post office until New Year

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:28:00 +0000

A Fife village has been left without a post office in the run-up to Christmas.

Kirkcaldy Civic Society promises to fight demolition of Nairn's Linoleum Works

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:15:00 +0000

Plans to tear down one of Kirkcaldy's landmarks have been met with dismay by a group dedicated to preserving the town's heritage.

Two contractors suffer burns in accident at Raytheon factory in Glenrothes

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:18:00 +0000

Two men are recovering in hospital after being injured in an explosion at a Fife engineering factory on Monday.

ScotRail urged to rethink 'awful' decision to axe key commuter service

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:43:00 +0000

Fife commuters are facing at least six months of misery when a vital early-morning train service is axed on Sunday.

Neighbour needs treatment after flat fire in Dunfermline

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:52:00 +0000

A man was treated for smoke inhalation following a fire in a block of flats in Dunfermline over the weekend.

Kirkcaldy flat fire casualty transferred to specialist burns unit

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:18:00 +0000

A Kirkcaldy man is continuing his fight for life after sustaining major burns in a fire at his home in the town.

Cupar woman who falsely claimed rape sentenced to six months' detention

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:42:00 +0000

A young Fife woman who falsely claimed she had been raped by an ex-boyfriend has been detained for six months at Cupar Sheriff Court.

Husband of hospital fall woman putting faith in thorough investigation

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:47:00 +0000

The grieving husband of a Fife woman who fell to her death from a window at Queen Margaret Hospital is confident an investigation will establish the facts that led to the tragedy.

Rare Westminster appearance sees Gordon Brown press for Dalgety Bay radiation action

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:25:00 +0000

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has branded the lack of action on tackling radiation at a Fife beach ''astonishing and regrettable''.

Man suffers critical injuries in Kirkcaldy flat fire

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:25:00 +0000

A Fife man is fighting for his life in hospital following a fierce fire at a flat in Kirkcaldy.

Councillors' tails up after snubbing planning officials' advice for a second time

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:49:00 +0000

Councillors have dismissed the views of planning officials to approve a north-east Fife housing development for the second time.

Scottish Enterprise lodges plans to demolish Nairn's Linoleum Works

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:14:00 +0000

An important part of Kirkcaldy's history could soon be reduced to rubble under radical new plans to rejuvenate the area.

Fife man found guilty of attempted murder in Methil

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:25:00 +0000

A jury has found a Fife man guilty of attempting to murder a Methil man and leaving him with serious brain damage.

Another Second World War-era mortar found at Tentsmuir

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:36:00 +0000

A Second World War bomb was blown up at a Fife nature reserve on Monday.

'We are now ruled by bureaucrats' — anger at council's efforts to overturn local planning decision

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:13:00 +0000

Democracy in the planning system is being crushed as ''unelected bureaucrats'' attempt to overrule decisions taken by local councillors, it has been claimed.

Sheriff rules Fife tree-felling death was a 'tragic accident'

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:57:00 +0000

The death of a man crushed by a falling tree as his son watched in helpless horror was a ''tragic accident'', a sheriff has ruled.

NHS Fife accused of not doing enough to explain how strike will affect patients

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:12:00 +0000

Fife's health chiefs have been urged to come clean on the effect Wednesday's strike action will have on hospital services.

Gordon Brown to raise Dalgety Bay beach radiation in parliamentary debate

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:12:00 +0000

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown will use a parliamentary debate on Wednesday to demand the MoD takes responsibility for radiation found on Dalgety Bay beach.

Safer Routes scheme helping to protect students in St Andrews

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:41:00 +0000

Police have launched a campaign to protect lone St Andrews University undergraduates late at night.

Public get first look at 'completely transformed' Carnegie leisure centre in Dunfermline

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:47:00 +0000

A refurbished leisure centre opened its doors for the first time at the weekend.

VIDEO: Gordon Brown contributes to student's football-themed documentary

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 09:37:00 +0000

A Fife university student enrolled the help of the former Prime Minister to make a moving documentary about the Blue Brazil.

Jail for man who set fire to own home while wife and child were inside

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:44:00 +0000

A man has been jailed for setting fire to his own house, endangering the life of his wife and a child and killing two dogs.

No rethink despite huge cost of transferring Typhoons to Lossiemouth

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:50:00 +0000

Transferring Typhoons from RAF Leuchars in Fife to Lossiemouth will have a one-off cost of over £40m and then an extra £10m a year.

£46,000 Porsche Boxster destroyed in Kennoway fire attack

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:36:00 +0000

A sports car has been destroyed by fire in what Fife police believe was a deliberate attack.

First meeting of Fife Defence Transition Task Force demands answers

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:05:00 +0000

A taskforce formed to address the impact of the UK Government's defence review on Fife has held its first meeting — and called for clarity on the number of soldiers likely to move to the region.

Local objections fail to halt plans for new mosque in Kirkcaldy

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:37:00 +0000

Controversial plans for a mosque in Kirkcaldy have been given the go-ahead.

Trainee barber hatched hair-brained scheme to smuggle drugs into T in the Park

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:09:00 +0000

A trainee barber hid drugs in a tub of hair putty in an attempt to smuggle them into T in the Park.

Nursery head teacher amazed by brass neck of copper thieves

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Thieves have targeted a Methil nursery's roof for the third time in just a few weeks.

SEPA ups pressure on MoD with deadline for Dalgety Bay radiation action

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:34:00 +0000

Anger over the Minstry of Defence's handling of radiation at a Fife beach threatened to boil over at the latest meeting held to discuss the situation.

Cowdenbeath High Street fire caused £10,000 of damage

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:04:00 +0000

Police are appealing for witnesses after a fire on Cowdenbeath High Street caused £10,000 of damage.

Golden eagle Methuselah needs supporters on her side if she is to survive

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:39:00 +0000

A bird of prey faces being put to sleep within a fortnight unless enough money can be raised for potentially life-saving treatment.

Tenants collect keys to new council houses in Rosyth

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:38:00 +0000

Tenants have started moving into the first Fife Council homes built in over two decades.

Dalgety Bay radiation: Gordon Brown calls for clean-up and health checks

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:04:00 +0000

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has challenged the Ministry of Defence to a parliamentary debate over radiation found on Dalgety Bay beach.

MoD accused of failing to treat Dalgety Bay radiation problem with enough urgency

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:09:00 +0000

Fife Council is ''losing patience'' with the Ministry of Defence over radiation at Dalgety Bay.

Family and friends place memorial bench in tribute to Cupar soldier Darren Lackie

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:38:00 +0000

A much-loved soldier who died during what should have been a dream holiday in Portugal will never be forgotten in his hometown of Cupar.

Family of Private Mark Connolly face a Christmas without peace

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:10:00 +0000

The mother of a tragic Black Watch soldier fears his body will still be in a morgue over Christmas.

Eryk's family 'overwhelmed' by Kirkcaldy community's support

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:24:00 +0000

The family of the boy who was swept out to sea in Kirkcaldy have decided to open his funeral to the public.

Late-night drink-drive in dead of winter was all to see a caravan

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:57:00 +0000

A drunk Newburgh man who crashed his car during a late-night trip on icy roads told a court he had been determined to show his wife a static caravan.

St Leonards School retains tax exemptions after having charitable status confirmed

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:31:00 +0000

St Leonards School in St Andrews has had its charitable status confirmed after three years of uncertainty.

St Monans man jailed for Anstruther glass attack

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:17:00 +0000

A man who smashed a glass into another man's face during an unprovoked attack in a Fife bar has been jailed.

Woman dies after falling from window at Queen Margaret Hospital

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:51:00 +0000

An inquiry has been launched after a patient fell 30ft to her death from a window at Queen Margaret Hospital on Thursday.

Mother and daughter encourage others to give the ultimate gift

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:07:00 +0000

A Fife doctor has been given the gift of life after her mother donated part of her liver.

Witnesses describe shock of seeing man fall to death from Cupar flat

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:25:00 +0000

Witnesses have described how they watched in horror as a man plunged to his death on a busy Fife street.

Review of elderly care in Fife raises questions over future of Cameron Hospital

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:55:00 +0000

NHS Fife has refused to rule out the closure of Cameron Hospital in Windygates.

RAF Leuchars says there will be no repeat of Cupar Remembrance Day service no-show

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:02:00 +0000

RAF Leuchars says the fact its personnel did not represent the RAF at Cupar's Remembrance Day service was ''unfortunate'', but insisted the base will never forget the fallen.

UPDATE: Victim of Markinch crash named as charge nurse Tracy Forbes

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:13:00 +0000

A woman who died after a horrific head-on crash in central Fife has today been named by police.

Man dies after falling from flat in Cupar

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:39:00 +0000

A man has died after falling from a second-storey flat in Cupar this morning.

Amazon centre brings jobs bonanza to Fife

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Amazon has delivered a bumper package of Scottish jobs with the official opening of its massive fulfilment centre in Dunfermline.

Police say man found dead in Glenrothes was local dad Graham Maddock

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:47:00 +0000

A man found dead in woodland in Glenrothes at the weekend has been named by police.

Woman 'badly shaken' in Fife incident has given birth to healthy boy

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:31:00 +0000

A heavily pregnant woman who was allegedly subjected to a vicious assault and robbery in Fife last month has given birth to a healthy baby boy.

Service pays tribute to Kirkcaldy firefighter who risked own life in bid to save Eryk

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:31:00 +0000

A firefighter who waded into high seas in a vain bid to rescue Eryk Cieraszewski has been praised for his brave act.

'Every second felt like an eternity' — Kirkcaldy tragedy witness describes mother's desperate attempts to save Eryk

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:51:00 +0000

The distraught mother of a young boy swept to his death by a huge wave had to be restrained from going into the sea after her son.

Serial abuser Kenneth Blair appealing 15-year jail sentence

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:14:22 +0000

A Fife pensioner jailed for 15 years after admitting a catalogue of ''barbaric'' abuse has appealed the sentence.

Report warns NHS Fife has failed to turn round budget overspend

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:24:00 +0000

Health chiefs in Fife have been told critical action is needed to avoid a massive budget overspend by the end of the financial year.

'We will never forget him' — Kirkcaldy united in grief after death of little Eryk

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:04:00 +0000

A Fife town has been united in grief following the tragic death of a three-year-old boy who was swept out to sea.

Devon Wood windfarm plan sparks war of words between developer and campaign group

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:10:00 +0000

A row has broken out over controversial proposals for a seven-turbine windfarm in Fife.

Body found in Glenrothes

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:03:00 +0000

Police in Fife have launched an investigation after the discovery of a man's body in Glenrothes at the weekend.

Three-year-old boy dies after being swept off sea wall at Kirkcaldy Esplanade

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:53:00 +0000

A three-year-old boy has died after being swept off the sea wall at Kirkcaldy.

Adamson Hospital project moves on to second phase

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 10:32:00 +0000

Adamson Hospital in Cupar is taking shape, with the second phase of its £10 million refurbishment under way.

Fife man may face a Texan bar

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:28:00 +0000

A Fife man's dreams of a Texan wedding could be dashed as he is due to stand trial for suspected drink-driving at the same time.

Decision to consolidate future of Madras College at Kilrymont provokes angry reaction

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:40:00 +0000

Fife councillors have voted to press ahead with a new £40 million Madras College at Kilrymont.

Kirkcaldy hotel workers removed by UK Border Agency

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:21:00 +0000

A Kirkcaldy hotelier claims he was unaware six of his employees were working for him illegally after they were detained by UK Borders Agency officers.

Fife parents told to expect school closures on November 30 strike day

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:49:00 +0000

Fifers are being urged to prepare for school closures and significant disruption to services when thousands of council workers walk out at the end of the month.

Life sentence for Kirkcaldy knife murderer Steven Kettles

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:51:00 +0000

A Kirkcaldy man who knifed his neighbour to death following a row over loud music has been jailed for life at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Locals turn out to salute homecoming heroes of RAF Leuchars

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:45:00 +0000

The sky overhead may have been dark and foreboding but the mood on the ground was anything but sombre as heroes from RAF Leuchars were welcomed home to Fife following a gruelling deployment to war-torn Afghanistan.

Loyal to the end — pet dog alerts search team to body of missing Fife man Andrew Marshall

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:51:00 +0000

Police have confirmed the body found near Kingseat on Monday was that of Andrew Marshall, who had gone missing from his Cowdenbeath home last Friday morning.

'The time for talking is over' — yet more radioactive finds at Dalgety Bay

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:09:00 +0000

A scenic stretch of a Fife beach could be forever designated as ''contaminated land'' and placed out of bounds following the discovery of yet more radioactive particles.

Report of 'atrocious' speeding at scene of 2004 Kirkcaldy tragedy

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:27:00 +0000

A driver has been reported for travelling at more than double the speed limit yards from where a 10-year-old boy was killed by a speeder.

Gas leak forces one-day closure of Warout Primary and Community School

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:55:00 +0000

Almost 200 pupils had a day off school on Tuesday due to a gas leak.

'Disappointing' meeting adds to Dalgety Bay radiation tensions

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:39:00 +0000

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been urged to ''up its game'' following an emergency meeting convened to discuss the worrying number of radioactive particles found on a Fife beach.

Scottish Natural Heritage objects to Fife wind turbines, saying they pose risk to bird life

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:51:00 +0000

An environmental watchdog may have cooked the goose of developers looking to capitalise on Fife's wind-related credentials.

Body found in search for missing Cowdenbeath man Andrew Marshall

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The search for a missing Cowdenbeath man seems to have reached a tragic conclusion with the discovery of a body in woodland near Kingseat.

Hope from despair — tragic Cole Gibson gives the gift of life

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:46:00 +0000

The pregnant mother of a seven-year-old Fife boy who died after an A9 accident at the weekend says she has honoured her son's wish that his death would bring the gift of life to others.

Community furious at theft of poppy tin from Lochgelly pub

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:39:00 +0000

A thief has stolen a Poppyscotland collecting tin packed full of money from a Lochgelly bar.

Fife Council appoints Sustrans cycling officer

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Fife Council has joined Sustrans Scotland to encourage more children to walk and cycle to school.

Kilrymont extension seen as most viable way forward for Madras College

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:25:00 +0000

The Madras College saga will take a major step forward on Thursday when councillors decide on a site.

Major weekend search fails to find missing Cowdenbeath man Andrew Marshall

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:39:00 +0000

Fears are growing for the safety of a Cowdenbeath man missing from his home since Friday morning.

VisitScotland campaign to bring national TV exposure for Pittenweem

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 10:42:00 +0000

A scenic coastal village's tourism credentials are set for a major boost after it was chosen to feature in a major UK-wide advertising campaign.

Impact of 'inappropriate' Fife wind turbine near New Gilston

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:27:00 +0000

A proposed wind turbine in Fife would have a ''major, significant and adverse'' impact on the landscape, objectors have warned.

Lord of the Rings producer orders Fife firm to get out of the habit of referring to hobbits

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:46:00 +0000

A Fife company has found itself on the wrong side of Hollywood over the manufacture of its so-called hobbit houses.

David's miniature marvel has no match

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:33:00 +0000

Burntisland man David Todd has given an intricate matchstick model of his local church to his fellow parishioners.

Funding cuts mean closure for Fife Women's Technology Centre

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:18:00 +0000

Fife Women's Technology Centre faces closure after its funding was cut.

Union leader's criticism of Amazon rejected in Fife

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:41:00 +0000

Fife politicians have defended Amazon after it was described as a ''worst'' employer by a union leader.

Police name Windygates man who died after Glenrothes Bus Station accident

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:46:00 +0000

An 84-year-old man who died after being involved in a collision with a bus in Glenrothes on Monday has been named by police.

Police puppy Kate will put up a titanic fight against crime

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:41:00 +0000

The newest recruit at Fife Police will help officers sniff out crime.

Son gives poignant account at inquiry into death of tree-feller Norman Robertson

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:54:00 +0000

A man has told a court how he watched in horror as his father was killed by a falling tree.

CISWO rates dispute puts Glenrothes Tesco store plan in doubt

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:21:00 +0000

Tesco's plans to create 400 jobs in Glenrothes are hanging in the balance after crucial land deal talks broke down.

Councillors back plan to move services under control of new Fife Cultural Trust

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:45:00 +0000

Councillors have approved plans to hand Fife museums, libraries and theatres to a trust.

Clatto Landscape Protection Group accuses council planners of deliberately obscuring true scale of windfarms

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:05:00 +0000

Planning chiefs in Fife have been accused of ''deliberately obscuring'' potentially controversial aspects of applications when making recommendations to councillors.

Scottish Social Services Council finds Fife worker's failings left child vulnerable to sexual abuse

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:30:00 +0000

A Fife social worker has been disciplined after he left a child open to ''continued grooming and/or sexual abuse'' by a known sex offender.

Elderly Windygates man dies in accident at Glenrothes Bus Station

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:53:00 +0000

An 84-year-old man has died after being hit by a bus in Glenrothes.

Teenagers suspected of causing £20,000 of damage to Fife schools

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:54:00 +0000

Two youths have been charged in connection with £20,000 of damage at several Dunfermline schools.

UK Government told Longannet carbon capture scheme collapse must be explained

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:40:00 +0000

Ministers have been urged to come clean on the collapse of the carbon capture project planned for Longannet amid suggestions money was the main motivation behind the decision.

Controversial Cairneyhill Travellers site plan scrapped

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:14:00 +0000

Plans for a dedicated stopover site for Gypsy Travellers near a west Fife village have been dramatically scrapped, The Courier has learned.

Woman pulled from water at Elie harbour

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:31:00 +0000

A woman was rescued after plunging into Elie harbour at about 3pm on Saturday.

Council planner delivers blow to St Andrews University's Kenly windfarm plan

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 11:09:00 +0100

Controversial proposals by St Andrews University to tackle spiralling energy costs through the creation of its own windfarm have fallen foul of council planning officials after they ruled it could detract from the picturesque town's ''medieval skyline''.

Carnegie Dunfermline Trust confirms plans for Pittencrieff Park

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:31:00 +0100

Plans to restore Dunfermline's Pittencrieff Park as one of the country's premier family attractions will take a significant step forward next month.

St Andrews Aquarium's meerkats to provide extra Christmas cheer

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 08:16:00 +0100

The Christmas story at a Fife tourist attraction will have an added ''ooh and ahh'' factor this year following the arrival of several new actors.

Drink-driver student's car was littered with empty booze bottles

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:21:00 +0100

A drink-driver who careered into the back of a tractor while more than three and a half times the alcohol limit was arrested after police found numerous booze bottles littering his car.

First minister demands UK Government's 'full cooperation' on Dalgety Bay beach contamination

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:57:00 +0100

First Minister Alex Salmond has demanded the ''full cooperation'' of the UK Government over radioactive contamination at a Fife beach.

Fife teenager admits using social media sites to blackmail and threaten girls

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:04:00 +0100

A schoolboy used social media sites to blackmail a young girl into supplying him with sexually explicit images of herself.

Jail warning for Fife man who set fire to his home

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:57:00 +0100

A man who set fire to his own house, endangering the life of his wife and a child and killing two dogs, has been warned he could face jail.

Far East's taste for whisky brings more jobs to Fife

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:14:00 +0100

Leven has been given another jobs boost thanks to growing demand for whisky in the Far East.

Future of Hawkleymuir linen works building back in doubt after housing plan falls through

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:48:00 +0100

A plan to give a former Fife textile factory a new lease of life has been dramatically shelved after a lack of progress in concluding a legal agreement.

Answer to protecting Auchtermuchty Common grassland is sheep and cheerful

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:19:00 +0100

Sheep are to graze on Auchtermuchty Common for much of the year as part of a pioneering project to preserve a section of rare grassland.

Russian planes encounter provides vivid evidence of RAF Leuchars' vital role

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:57:00 +0100

As controversy over the decision to close RAF Leuchars continues to rage, The Courier has been handed dramatic images showing Fife crews shadowing Russian aircraft flying in the NATO air policing area.

Gordon Brown demands new urgency to clear Dalgety Bay beach of radiation

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:30:00 +0100

More than 320 radioactive samples have been removed from Dalgety Bay beach since the start of September.

Councillor asks Scottish Government to prove commitment to Fife Energy Park

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:06:00 +0100

A Fife councillor has expressed concern for the future of the region's flagship energy park amid claims the Scottish Government has ''backtracked'' on renewable energy commitments.

Shell UK says Mossmorran flaring poses 'no danger to the public'

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:12:00 +0100

Shell UK is investigating the latest incident of flaring at Mossmorran.

Woman suffers serious injuries in accident with van in Lochgelly

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:42:00 +0100

A Fife woman was recovering in hospital last night after being badly injured by a reversing van as she made her way to work on Monday morning.

Time running out to claim Omega Seamaster watch left at golf club in St Andrews

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:37:00 +0100

An expensive watch left in a St Andrews golf club in July is about to be sold at auction unless the owner claims it in the next few days.

Community council presses for RAF Leuchars answers after Liam Fox resignation

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:47:00 +0100

Campaigners in Leuchars are urging shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy to heap pressure on Liam Fox's replacement as questions over the decision to close Fife's historic RAF base remain unanswered.

'A sickening act' — women steal man's wallet as he lies injured in the street in Glenrothes

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:47:00 +0100

A helpless man who lay bleeding on a Fife street following a fall was robbed by two women.

Fife Council loads up extra salt for winter roads battle

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:40:00 +0100

Fife Council has ordered 40,000 tonnes of salt in a bid to prevent a repeat of last year's winter weather fiasco.

St Andrews University historian Dr Barbara Crawford collects OBE

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 08:51:00 +0100

A prominent Fife historian was in London this week to receive a top honour.

National Trust for Scotland lines up Hallowe'en fright nights at historic Fife properties

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 07:31:00 +0100

There are ghostly goings-on at some of Fife's most historic properties.

Lewd remarks on bus see Newburgh man added to sex offenders register

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:38:00 +0100

A man who cornered a terrified teenager on a Fife bus before making a series of lewd remarks has insisted he is ''not a deviant.''

Stagecoach bus drivers stage wildcat strike at Leven depot

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:20:00 +0100

Dozens of employees at a Fife bus depot caused disruption to services in the region by staging a wildcat strike on Thursday.

Cockney watch fraudster's fake accent could not stand the test of time

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:05:00 +0100

A serial fraudster who felt there might be ''rich pickings'' in St Andrews during the recent Dunhill Links Championships has been jailed.

Adam Smith roundabout in Kirkcaldy to close on Sunday for works

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:28:00 +0100

A busy junction in Kirkcaldy town centre will be closed to traffic this weekend.

Stonemason fears winter will increase the danger from above

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:04:00 +0100

A recent accident in Newburgh, where a schoolboy was injured when a retaining wall collapsed, might well be the ''tip of the iceberg'' should Fife experience another winter as severe as last year.

GP practice ordered to apologise to man diagnosed with lung cancer after 18-month scan delay

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:59:00 +0100

A Fife medical practice has been ordered to make a full apology to a man who was forced to endure an 18-month wait for a scan which ultimately diagnosed lung cancer.

Longannet carbon capture scheme collapse a hammer blow for Fife economy

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:11:00 +0100

First Minister Alex Salmond has described the UK Government's decision to axe Longannet's £1 billion carbon capture programme as a ''lost opportunity.''

Sir Menzies Campbell demands RAF Leuchars rethink in wake of Liam Fox resignation

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:45:00 +0100

Sir Menzies Campbell has urged the coalition's new defence secretary to reconsider the axing of RAF Leuchars.

Dunfermline businesses targeted with counterfeit cash

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:46:00 +0100

Four Dunfermline businesses were targeted with counterfeit cash at the weekend.

Fife becomes focus of shale gas extraction firm Dart Energy

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:35:00 +0100

Gas and electricity bills may be soaring but a massive new energy supply could found in underground coal seams in Fife.

Pittencrieff Park's locomotive is on the move

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:30:00 +0100

A Dunfermline locomotive has been on the move for the first time in over two decades.

New Dunfermline High School's wind turbine to be higher than planned

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:57:00 +0100

A wind turbine which will form part of the replacement Dunfermline High School is likely to be larger in size than originally thought.

Acid spill at Fife landfill site puts 11 in hospital

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:07:00 +0100

Eleven people were taken to hospital after being overcome with acid fumes at a Fife landfill site.

Young man found dead in Buckhaven hostel

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:34:00 +0100

Fife Police are investigating the discovery of a man's body in a flat in Buckhaven.

Dog found abandoned with fly-infested wound

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:26:00 +0100

An injured and starving dog was found abandoned in Fife over the weekend, suffering with an open wound that had become infested with flies.

SEPA pressed to find source of Lochty Burn pollution

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:20:00 +0100

Kinglassie residents are baffled by mysterious rusty-coloured pollution which has killed wildlife in the Lochty Burn.

'It is a devastating thing to happen' — widow distraught after thieves steal memorial bench from cemetery

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:53:00 +0100

A heartbroken widow has hit out at callous thieves who stole a bench installed in memory of her beloved husband.

SEPA finds over 60 radioactive samples in one weekend at Dalgety Bay

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:26:00 +0100

More than 60 radioactive samples were removed from Dalgety Bay beach over the weekend.

Fife Police vow sectarianism crackdown will beat the bigots

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:40:00 +0100

Football fans who chant sectarian or racist slogans are being told there is no hiding place.

Police need help to solve mystery of man found in Dunfermline with serious head injuries

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:19:00 +0100

Police in Fife are pleading for information after a man was found unconscious in the street just hours after enjoying a night out with friends.

Fife Council 'deeply concerned' by boy's Newburgh wall collapse injuries

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:24:00 +0100

Fife Council has launched an investigation into a wall collapse that seriously injured a six-year-old boy.

Teenagers in court to face Leven attempted murder charge

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:54:00 +0100

A pair of Fife teenagers have been remanded in custody following the alleged attempted murder of a man in the Leven area.

Stratheden Hospital's Drumcarrow Lodge ward to close

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:15:00 +0100

A ward catering for elderly people at a psychiatric hospital in Fife is to close following a wide-ranging review.

'Sham consultation' — MP urges Fife Council to rethink Glenrothes sports centre decision

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:37:00 +0100

Glenrothes MP Lindsay Roy has waded into the row over the naming of the town's new sports centre.

'We must have urgent action' — pressure on MoD after analysts' Dalgety Bay radiation fears revealed

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:48:00 +0100

The Ministry of Defence has come under fire again after ''shocking revelations'' about radiation at Dalgety Bay.

'He could have been killed' — family's anger after boy badly injured by wall collapse

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:35:00 +0100

A six-year-old boy was seriously injured when a wall collapsed in Newburgh.

Dunfermline project to help school leavers impresses Education Minister

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:18:00 +0100

Mike Russell, the education minister, was impressed on a visit to Dunfermline's Tower House Centre.

Anger as bid to save Dunfermline D8 bus service fails

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:55:00 +0100

A Dunfermline councillor claims Fife Council has rejected residents' pleas to save a local bus service.

UPDATE: Woman in court in connection with Lisa Quigley death

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:40:00 +0100

A 24-year-old woman has been in court in connection with the death of a woman in the Templehall area of Kirkcaldy.

Cowdenbeath has 152 empty council houses: MSP

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:17:00 +0100

Fife MSP Helen Eadie has revealed there are 152 council houses standing empty in her Cowdenbeath constituency.

Work on 100-metre Pitreavie wind turbine finished

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:28:00 +0100

Work to install a 100-metre wind turbine at FMC Technologies' Pitreavie manufacturing base in Dunfermline has been completed.

Major milestone in £170m Victoria Hospital wing construction

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:38:00 +0100

Keys to the new wing at Kirkcaldy's Victoria Hospital will be formally handed over to NHS Fife on October 28 — another major milestone in the multi-million pound project.

Money 'could be used more effectively' — Disabled People's Minister on Remploy

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:11:00 +0100

The fate of Tayside and Fife's closure-threatened Remploy factories could be known in a matter of weeks.

Residents fear for lives as Dunfermline flat is firebombed

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:18:00 +0100

A father and son feared for their lives during a firebomb attack on a quiet Dunfermline cul de sac.

Call to quantify public cash spent on failed Madras plan

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:20:00 +0100

A call to quantify how much public money was ploughed into ill-fated plans for a new secondary school in Fife has been issued.

'Dunfermline as a place of learning' — firm has grand plans for Halbeath site

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:01:00 +0100

Plans to breathe new life into the former Hyundai site at
Halbeath, near Dunfermline, could create thousands of jobs.

Councillor queries Burntisland school location decision

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:57:00 +0100

Following a public meeting on the new Burntisland Primary School, a local councillor has requested further clarification for residents from council officers on why the selected site was chosen.

Councillor in campaign to restore St Andrews town centre fountain

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:35:00 +0100

A Fife monument could soon be restored to its former glory.

'Last thing we need now' — 2011 Leuchars airshow may have been last

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:17:00 +0100

The future of Leuchars air show has been thrown into fresh doubt after the UK Government revealed this year's spectacular may have been the last.

Winter warmer boost anticipated for Glenrothes homes

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:26:00 +0100

Households in Glenrothes will receive more information soon about a new scheme that could make up to 17,000 homes warmer this winter.

'Scotland is being used as the guinea pig' — coastguard cuts criticised

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:42:00 +0100

Scottish Government Ministers view plans to axe coastguard stations as a "triple blow" to Scotland's maritime safety.

Former PM Gordon Brown backing Remploy

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:49:00 +0100

Gordon Brown has expressed his support for Remploy workers facing the axe following a recent review.

North Howe Transition Toun members' energy bills would make others green with envy

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 09:37:00 +0100

Residents in a small corner of Fife have seen their energy bills slashed by an average of £220 by a community collaboration.

Grangemouth man launched vicious attack in row over feeding baby

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:35:00 +0100

A terrified mother begged for mercy as her partner brutally attacked her following a furious row over whose turn it was to feed their baby daughter.

Community service order for landlord who ripped out door and windows while pregnant tenant was inside

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:31:00 +0100

A landlord who removed the windows and door of a flat while the pregnant teenage tenant cowered inside has been ordered to carry out community service.

York man accidentally broke woman's jaw in two places during brawl

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:25:00 +0100

A woman has been told she will struggle to eat properly for the rest of her life after her jaw was broken as she tried to stop a brawl.

Fifers promised voice over dismantling of nuclear subs

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:59:00 +0100

Rosyth will have its say on the government's plans to dismantle the country's fleet of nuclear submarines.

Education secretary refuses to apportion blame for Madras College fiasco

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:20:00 +0100

The Scottish Government has refused to point the finger of blame over the dramatic collapse of a £40 million vision for a new secondary school in St Andrews.

Leuchars Community Council's ex-RAF chairman sends symbol of cowardice to defence secretary

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:49:00 +0100

Lobbyists against the closure of RAF Leuchars have sent Defence Secretary Liam Fox four white feathers.

Fife Council receives another batch of wind turbine applications

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:05:00 +0100

A flurry of wind turbine applications have been submitted to Fife Council for sites across the region in the last few days.

Fife Council asks public to choose name of new Glenrothes sports centre — then ignores result and picks its own

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:55:00 +0100

A late Glenrothes councillor's legacy will live on in the name of the town's new sports and leisure centre — after the result of a public poll was ignored.

Smith Anderson hopes Kirkcaldy move will secure — and soon create — Fife jobs

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:33:00 +0100

A major Fife manufacturer has confirmed plans to move from Falkland to a new base in Kirkcaldy.

'Too many unanswered questions' over Netherlea Hospital, claims councillor

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:27:00 +0100

A councillor has blasted the decision to axe a Newport hospital.

Sir Menzies Campbell asks Commons defence committee to investigate RAF Leuchars closure

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:08:00 +0100

A senior MP has called for a powerful House of Commons committee to probe the controversial decision to close RAF Leuchars.

'More National Trust than National Health Service' — Netherlea Hospital condemned to closure

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:20:00 +0100

A Newport hospital has been condemned to closure after health chiefs heard it was "more suited to the National Trust than the National Health Service."

Hugh Grant is off the menu — but Michael Douglas is flavour of the month

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:59:00 +0100

Hollywood star Hugh Grant will have to give at least Two Weeks' Notice next time he wants to eat at a St Andrews restaurant — and even that may not be enough.

Scottish Government funding for St Andrews affordable housing project

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:33:00 +0100

Plans for the biggest affordable housing development seen in St Andrews have taken a significant step forward.

Dunfermline High learns there are plenty who want to go back to school

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:41:00 +0100

They are supposed to be the best days of your life. But does anyone really want to revisit their classroom careers?

Coaltown of Wemyss man killed in black weekend on Fife's roads

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:38:00 +0100

A man was killed and three other people injured in crashes on Fife's roads at the weekend.

'Glenrothes Sports and Leisure Centre' finishes first in sports complex naming poll

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:18:00 +0100

A new multi-million-pound sports centre planned for Glenrothes is set to be formally named this week.

Supporters make last-ditch plea for Netherlea Hospital

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:48:00 +0100

Health chiefs have been urged to postpone a decision on the future of Netherlea Hospital in the face of community opposition.

'I'm just glad I didn't walk away' — salesman happy to have helped attack victim

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:45:00 +0100

A salesman credited with saving a man's life after he intervened in the wake of an attack says he is just glad he was able to help.

Belgian hotel extends the hand of friendship to loyal Fife visitor

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 09:57:00 +0100

A Fife teacher who has taken hundreds of pupils to visit First World War battlefields has been given an unusual honour.

RAF Leuchars gunner producing art in the unlikeliest of surroundings

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 07:45:00 +0100

A gunner from RAF Leuchars has turned his tent in Afghanistan into an artist's studio.

TaxPayers' Alliance says public don't thank councils for spending on 'back-patting award ceremonies'

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:26:00 +0100

Criticism has been levelled at Fife Council after thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money was lavished on award ceremonies in the last financial year.

Neighbours pay tribute to St Andrews woman who died in tragic crash

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:33:00 +0100

Friends of a Fife mother who died when her car careered off the road and flipped on to its roof have spoken of their shock.

Tears in court as father-to-be is sent to jail for driving offences

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:14:00 +0100

A dad-to-be sobbed uncontrollably in the dock as he was jailed just two days before his partner is due to give birth to their first child.

Cellardyke man who 'refused to recognise' Poles spat in bus driver's face

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:01:00 +0100

A 61-year-old man told police that he spat in the face of an eastern European bus driver because Polish residents at a hostel he used to stay in repeatedly stood on his toes.

Operational Honours List marks heroism of Fife soldier Lance Corporal Liam Tasker

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:13:00 +0100

A Fife soldier who was shot dead while on patrol with his dog in Afghanistan has received a posthumous honour.

Fife Ethylene Plant says it is 'highly unlikely' locals will suffer any more late-night frights

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:29:00 +0100

An incident at Mossmorran which caused widespread alarm in June was down to a highly unusual safety valve failure.

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust blames 'misleading media reports' for swimming lesson controversy

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:18:00 +0100

After weeks of controversy and anger, the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has insisted that new "guidelines" stating instructors should not enter the pool during swimming lessons do not constitute a "ban".

Woman dies after early-morning crash near St Andrews

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:12:00 +0100

A St Andrews woman died following an early-morning crash in Fife on Wednesday.

Help ma boab! — famous beat copper stands guard at Markinch archive

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:27:00 +0100

A familiar face was on hand to oversee the opening of police archives in Fife stretching back 140 years.

Devon Wood windfarm proposer rejects claims scholarship offer is a 'PR wheeze'

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:35:00 +0100

The firm behind controversial plans for a windfarm at Devon Wood in Fife insists it is offering one of the "most competitive" community benefit packages.

NHS Fife told it can make huge savings by adopting smarter medicine policy

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:09:00 +0100

More must be done to curb spiralling NHS spending on prescription drugs in Fife, health chiefs have been told.

BAE Systems job cuts a bitter blow after recent good news at Hillend plant

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:52:00 +0100

Fife has been dealt a major jobs blow with the news that 35 posts are under threat at BAE Systems' Hillend plant.

MSP claims consultant fees would have covered Fife hospital's at-threat ward

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:40:00 +0100

Consultancy fees paid by NHS Fife would pay for the closure-threatened hospice at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline, it has been claimed.

Friends of Netherlea Hospital hand over 1,200-name petition demanding it stays open

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:47:00 +0100

A petition featuring the signatures of more than 1,200 people opposing the closure of Netherlea Hospital has been handed over to health chiefs.

Fife care homes: plan back to square one after council fails to find private partner

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:32:00 +0100

The future of Fife Council's care homes has been thrown back into uncertainty after the local authority failed to find a suitable provider to take on the service.

The last love letters of Cpl Sean Binnie are still too painful for widow to read

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:16:00 +0100

The widow of a Fife Black Watch soldier killed in a firefight with the Taliban more than two years ago has revealed that she still keeps four precious letters from her husband locked in a safe unopened.

'Spiritual home' pays tribute to rock legend Stuart Adamson — with a little help from Wigan

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:08:00 +0100

A decade since his tragic death, a memorial has been unveiled to Fife rock legend Stuart Adamson in his ''spiritual home.''

Community council chief seeks to correct 'misleading' claims about Falkland drinking ban

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:49:00 +0100

A staunch defence of controversial proposals to ban booze in one of Fife's most tranquil towns has been launched.

Fife's soldiers remembered by Kirkcaldy war memorial extension

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:26:00 +0100

Families looked on proudly as the names of Fife soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice joined those of fallen comrades.

Three due in court accused of sectarian comments during Dunfermline v Rangers match

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 07:48:00 +0100

Three men are due to appear at Dunfermline Sheriff Court today in connection with alleged sectarianism during the Pars' home tie against Rangers on Saturday.

Councillors decide blocking housing for one squirrel would be nuts

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:09:00 +0100

A recommendation to refuse a housing development because the proposed site is home to a red squirrel was ridiculed by councillors this week.

Heritage centre brings Egypt to Methil

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 07:32:00 +0100

A copy of the Rosetta Stone is one of the highlights of a new Egypt-themed exhibition in Methil.

Bail warning for father of tragic Newburgh teenager Ricky Brown

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:15:00 +0100

A bereaved Fife father has denied making threats to another man in Newburgh — as heightened emotions in the community continue to be monitored.

Madras College: councillors rule two-school plan is not deliverable

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:53:00 +0100

A bid for a two-school solution for Madras College has been shot down by a Fife Council committee.

Sad day for Glenrothes as Co-Op store closes, with loss of 42 jobs

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:49:00 +0100

Saturday signals a sad day for Glenrothes as one of the town's longest standing supermarkets closes its doors with the loss of 42 jobs.

Councillors pledge to 'take control' of controversial Feddinch golf development

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:43:00 +0100

After years of controversy, councillors have pledged to "take control" of £20 million proposals for a golf and leisure development in Fife.

'She lived life to the full' — husband's tribute to nurse Ruth Henderson

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:16:00 +0100

A nurse who ''lived every day to the full'' has died following a brave battle with a rare cancer.

Helen Eadie's 'living wage' attack prompts angry response from council leader

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:33:00 +0100

A political row has broken out after new figures suggested almost one in 10 council workers in Fife is paid less than the living wage.

Scottish SPCA wants help to find 'cruel person' who left dog to die by the roadside

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:16:00 +0100

A seriously ill dog had to be put down after being dumped at the side of a Fife road to die.

Fife politicians denounce police and fire service mergers as 'centralist power grab'

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:10:00 +0100

Two leading Fife councillors have criticised plans for single police and fire services as being a "disaster" for Fife.

Muir Dean coal mine extension approved

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:33:00 +0100

An extension of the surface coal mine at Muir Dean near Crossgates has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Fife Council agrees to formally object to Gyle Shopping Centre expansion

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:52:00 +0100

Fears about the impact of the proposed extension of the Gyle Shopping Centre in Edinburgh has prompted Fife Council to formally object to the plans.

Planning committee approves Earlseat and Westfield windfarm plans

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:07:00 +0100

Plans for two major windfarms in Fife have won the backing of a key Fife Council committee.

Amazon 1,000-jobs announcement is much-needed retail therapy for Fife economy

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:43:00 +0100

News that Amazon is to create 1,000 jobs in Fife has been greeted with delight.

UK minister sees 'history in the making' at Rosyth dockyard

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:23:00 +0100

Rosyth dockyard is seeing ''history in the making'', according to defence equipment minister Peter Luff.

Council gearing up for compulsory purchase fight with Cupar legal firm

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:23:00 +0100

Fife councillors will this week be asked to approve "all necessary steps" to attain a solicitor's office the local authority wants to demolish.

World porridge champion adds some needle to 2011 contest

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:23:00 +0100

The Fife man who last year claimed the title of world porridge champion has something special up his sleeve as he prepares to defend his crown.

Man charged after report of dog attack in Glenrothes

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:14:00 +0100

A Glenrothes couple were injured while saving their pet from an alleged dog attack.

'This is just amazing' — Courier helps Roy find his long-lost family

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:02:00 +0100

A Fife man has found the twin brother and sister he hasn't seen in 40 years — thanks to The Courier and a big-hearted Perthshire couple.

Fife windfarm proposals come before planning committee

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:20:00 +0100

Two major windfarm developments are set to be decided by Fife Council's planning committee today.

Retail block sale a sign of St Andrews' ability to weather economic storm

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:57:00 +0100

A retail block in the heart of St Andrews has changed hands for more than £4.5 million.

RAF Leuchars task force says it won't tolerate period of decline

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:29:00 +0100

The transition task force overseeing the RAF's departure from Leuchars said it won't accept a fallow period for the local economy.

Burntisland and District Pipe Band set Forth to drum up support

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:57:00 +0100

Motorists looked on in amazement on Sunday as a Fife pipe band went down in history as the first to play while marching across the Forth Road Bridge.

Tay bridgehead area school back on the agenda

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:10:00 +0100

The possible construction of a new Fife school to serve communities including Tayport, Newport and Wormit will be forced to the top of the agenda again after a dramatic intervention by opposition councillors.

First offender sentenced to detention for 'worrying' assault of homeless man

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 18:10:00 +0100

A first offender who viciously attacked a homeless man in a St Andrews alleyway has been sentenced to detention.

Farming partnership fined £112,500 after tragic death of worker Keith Wannan

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:39:00 +0100

A Fife farming partnership has been heavily fined after a worker was crushed to death in a potato harvester.

'We really hope they will actually listen' — Fife Sports and Leisure Trust to hear what families think of new swimming lesson rules

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:55:00 +0100

After weeks of controversy and debate, concerned parents are set to air their views on the controversial ruling which bans Fife swimming teachers from entering the water during lessons.

'My hands are tied' — Fife chief constable says police officer guarantees mean civilian staff must bear brunt of cuts

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:18:00 +0100

Fife's chief constable has given assurances over frontline policing as the axe hangs over civilian posts.

Kenly Landscape Protection Group set up to fight St Andrews University's windfarm plans

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:06:00 +0100

Plans by St Andrews University to construct wind turbines on the outskirts of the town are facing growing opposition from locals.

Agencies pledge to try to limit A92 Edenbank Bridge roadworks disruption

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0100

Major roadworks on one of Fife's busiest roads have prompted concerns from a local councillor.

NHS Fife abandons plan to end home births — but warns issue may have to be revisited

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:15:00 +0100

A plan to axe Fife's home birth service has been shelved by health chiefs, much to the relief of campaigners.

'These numbers are worrying' — NHS Fife budget black hole attributed to soaring agency staff costs

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:44:00 +0100

Agency staff costs have been blamed for a massive hole in NHS Fife's finances.

Paul Donnachie 'commends' flag insult victim's decision to donate compensation to Fogel Family Fund

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:40:00 +0100

A Jewish academic who left St Andrews after a fellow student defiled his flag of Israel has vowed to donate his compensation money to the victims of terrorism.

Developer ordered to rebuild Falkland wall

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:43:00 +0100

A feature in a Fife village is to be reconstructed 17 months after being demolished by a property developer.

Major roadworks starting on A92 near Freuchie

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:55:00 +0100

The closure of a stretch of a major Fife road is set to cause headaches for motorists from today.

Cupar landlord removed windows and door while pregnant tenant cowered inside

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:03:00 +0100

A heavily pregnant teenager was left terrified when her landlord removed the windows and door of her Fife property as she cowered inside.

Protests expected at Paul Donnachie sentencing hearing in Cupar

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:41:00 +0100

Protesters are set to descend on Cupar Sheriff Court today as a student convicted of defiling an Israeli flag is sentenced.

SEPA warns radiation testing at Dalgety Bay could restrict access to shore

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:58:00 +0100

Access to a stretch of Fife coast could be restricted if a radiation survey shows dangerous levels of contamination.

Change to social enterprise status sparks search for 'Ardroy Ambassadors'

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:00:00 +0100

A website has been launched to find 'Ardroy Ambassadors' who will help keep the outdoor centre open.

'There was a lot of anger' — Netherlea Hospital meeting fails to pacify local campaigners

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:22:00 +0100

Netherlea Hospital campaigners have given NHS Fife an angry reception at a meeting in Newport.

Red Arrows provide the emotional highlight of RAF Leuchars Air Show

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:10:00 +0100

Aviation enthusiasts arrived in their thousands at RAF Leuchars for another spectacular air show.

Retired top detective to lead inquiry into Colin Marr's unsolved death

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:21:00 +0100

The unsolved death of a Lochgelly man is to be probed by the detective who led the cold case review of serial killer Peter Tobin.

Scottish Deer Centre celebrates acceptance by zoo association

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 10:35:00 +0100

One of Fife's most popular attractions is celebrating achieving zoo status.

Another 17 miles added to the Fife Coastal Path challenge

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 08:51:00 +0100

Walkers now have an extra 17 miles of Fife's coastline to walk.

Farmhouse vandals leave £100,000 repair bill in their wake

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:55:00 +0100

Vandals have caused £100,000 of damage at a Fife farmhouse in an 'unprecedented' bout of destruction.

Fife fire chief rejects whistleblower's cuts claims

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:09:00 +0100

Fife's chief fire officer has issued a strong denial after a whistleblower told The Courier the impact of cuts was laid bare during a cliff rescue in the region this week.

Police hunting trio of 'hoodies' after man robbed in St Andrews

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:55:02 +0100

Police have launched a hunt for a trio of callous "hoodies" after a 60-year-old man was violently attacked and robbed.

Organisers insist Leuchars Airshow is not the last

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:31:00 +0100

Saturday's Leuchars Airshow will not be the last despite the imminent closure of the RAF base.

Disgust at desecration of Celtic FC legend John Thomson's grave

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:39:00 +0100

Cardenden residents have been left in shock after the grave of football legend John Thomson was desecrated.

Earlseat windfarm plan finds favour among Glenrothes area councillors

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:30:00 +0100

A £25.3 million windfarm proposal for the outskirts of Kirkcaldy has been endorsed by Glenrothes councillors.

Plea to youths to avoid area after girls' quarry rescue

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:23:00 +0100

Police say they will increase patrols at a disused quarry after three girls were rescued from a 100ft ledge.

RAF helicopter rescues woman at Kinkell Braes

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:38:00 +0100

A 36-year-old woman was airlifted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after a cliff rescue in Fife.

Call for community alliance to rid Levenmouth of drug dealers

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:41:00 +0100

A Fife councillor has called for action on drug dealers who are "polluting" the streets of Levenmouth.

'Some people are just horrible' — much-loved cats killed in airgun attacks

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:53:00 +0100

Fife police are hunting callous cat killers after a spate of airgun attacks.

SEPA starts work to find source of radioactive particles on Dalgety Beach

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:26:00 +0100

Work to identify the source of radioactive particles on Dalgety Bay beach has started.

Police say school 'silver car' warnings sweeping across Facebook are unfounded

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:56:00 +0100

Fears that a man in a silver car is approaching young children across Fife are unfounded, police say.

East Neuk First Responders reflect on a life-changing year

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:31:00 +0100

A group of dedicated Fife volunteers have been credited with saving dozens of lives after being called to more than 200 "life threatening emergencies" in the last year alone.

'I just want to know if they are happy' — Roy pleads for help to find long-lost brother and sister

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:51:00 +0100

A Fife man has issued an emotional plea for help in tracing the twin brother and sister he has not seen in over 40 years.

Supporters welcome prospect of return for sacked minister Mike Erskine

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:28:00 +0100

Well-wishers have backed a former Fife minister who is set to make a return to the pulpit.

Wife pays tribute to 'perfect husband' Paul Mitchell

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:50:00 +0100

A Fife woman has paid an emotional tribute to her "perfect husband," who died in a road accident.

VIDEO: Sea eagle touches down in Methil

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:54:00 +0100

A young sea eagle seems to have taken a liking to the Fife town of Methil.

Parents want new school in St Andrews secured with 'Trump-style' Compulsory Purchase Order

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 07:58:00 +0100

A group of parents disillusioned following the collapse of ambitious £40 million plans for a new school in Fife are urging the local authority to take out a "Donald Trump-style" Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

Let parents decide — call for referendum on future of secondary schooling in north-east Fife

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:04:00 +0100

The public should have the final say on whether a new secondary school should be built to serve the Tay Bridgehead area of north Fife.

Fife Outdoor Access Festival declares war on inactivity

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:52:00 +0100

Time was turned back at Tentsmuir Forest on Saturday, with the launch of Fife's Outdoor Access Festival.

Kinghorn RNLI saves woman in midnight rescue off Kirkcaldy

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:09:00 +0100

A woman was rescued in the early hours of Saturday morning as she was swept out to sea off Kirkcaldy.

Councillors agree funding for demolition of Robert Thomson murder house

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:34:00 +0100

Funding has been granted to demolish a house where a father murdered his two children.

Fife ranks among the country's top recycling regions

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:28:00 +0100

Fife is Scotland's third best local authority when it comes to recycling.

Fife signs up to join Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:18:00 +0100

Fife's education chairman has welcomed Dolly Parton's book initiative.

Three-year drug treatment and testing order for former caddie

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:54:00 +0100

A highly-regarded St Andrews caddie whose life "spiralled out of control" after he became hooked on class A drugs faces regular drug tests for three years as he bids to prove he can kick the habit.

Councillor says collapse of Madras College deal deserves an independent public inquiry

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:18:00 +0100

After four days of debate, a councillor has called for an independent public inquiry into the "disgraceful" collapse of £40 million proposals for a new school in St Andrews.

'Bureaucracy gone mad' — new 'safety' rules keeping swimming coaches out of the water

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:09:00 +0100

New rules mean swimming teachers are being prevented from entering the water with four or more children during lessons.

Head-on crash kills biker on B913 Saline to Forestmill road

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:02:00 +0100

A motorcyclist has been killed following a head-on collision with a car in west Fife.

Levenmouth councillors give mixed reception to Earlseat windfarm plans

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:57:00 +0100

Plans for a major windfarm in central Fife have been broadly welcomed by Levenmouth councillors.

Tarek Ramzi loses brave battle against cancer

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:48:00 +0100

A Fife man who fought to receive potentially lifesaving cancer treatment has lost his battle against his illness.

Falkland says 'nein' and 'non' to a ban on street drinking

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:52:00 +0100

Plans to ban public drinking in one of Fife's most tranquil towns have caused controversy.

Fife Council Conservative group calls for fresh look at two-school Madras College plan

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:56:00 +0100

The collapse of proposals to build a £40 million school to replace Madras College in St Andrews has led to renewed demands for a secondary school serving the Tay Bridgehead area.

Fife Council dossier reveals extent of rift with St Andrews University over Madras College

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:30:00 +0100

Papers released by Fife Council show how St Andrews University officials effectively torpedoed plans for a new £40 million school in St Andrews.

70 new Fife jobs will take FMC Technologies' Scots workforce to 1,000

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:59:00 +0100

Seventy jobs will be created in Dunfermline by oil and gas industry giants FMC Technologies.

Fife councillor's surprising admission on staff office fears

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:10:00 +0100

A senior Fife politician has admitted Fife Council could do better to communicate with staff in light of fears a flagship HQ was being run down.

Firefighters call on Scottish ministers to protect service

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:38:00 +0100

Firefighters gathered in Kirkcaldy to warn the Scottish Government about proposed cuts to their budgets.

'Flash' Gordon Shedden ready for home lap of honour

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:47:00 +0100

A handful of points adrift of the championship leader, British Touring Cars star Gordon Shedden is relishing the chance to shine in front of a partisan home crowd this weekend.

Supporters rush to back gay Newburgh minister

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:27:00 +0100

A Fife minister who outlined proposals to "marry" her same-sex partner has been inundated with messages of support.

'A horrible time for people' as Remploy drive launched

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:30:00 +0100

A campaign has been launched in Fife to prevent the closure of Remploy factories for disabled workers.

Madras College saga has affected council elections

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:12:00 +0100

Plans for a new single-site Madras College in St Andrews don't just affect pupils and parents in north-east Fife.

Sister of Holyrood presiding officer Tricia Marwick dies in house fire

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:17:00 +0100

The sister of the Scottish Parliament's presiding officer, Tricia Marwick, has died in a house fire.

St Andrews University 'lost focus' over new Madras College, claims Fife Council

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:59:00 +0100

A war of words has erupted between Fife Council and St Andrews University after the collapse of £40 million plans for a new Fife school.

Fare's fair — report makes positive reading for Fife taxi firms

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:39:00 +0100

A new report has revealed Fifers are largely satisfied with the region's taxi service, despite concerns that some cabs are "old and grubby."

Bell Baxter High School's YouTube stars provided flash of inspiration for the nation

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:34:00 +0100

After becoming internet sensations, a group of Fife youngsters are now hoping to get the country dancing.

'It has proved impossible ' — St Andrews University pulls out of Madras College project

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:52:00 +0100

A £40 million dream to give Fife one of Europe's finest schools lies in tatters today.

Woman dies in Dunfermline house fire

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:47:00 +0100

A woman died in a house fire in a residential Dunfermline street on Monday.

Council enterprise chief upbeat on St Andrews hotel and housing plan

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:03:00 +0100

Plans to build a hotel close to St Andrews town centre could create 100 jobs.

Lib Dem orders locals off his land — but all in the name of art

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:13:00 +0100

A west Fife councillor has become a laird — much against his will.

Burntisland parties loud to celebrate return of clock chime

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:49:00 +0100

Almost a year after a single complaint led to the silencing of a Fife town's historic chimes, a party has been held to mark their reinstatement.

Newburgh minister plans civil partnership with partner

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:31:00 +0100

The furious row over gay clergy has been reignited following revelations a Fife minister plans to "marry" her same-sex partner.

Bruce Festival takes crowds on a journey to 14th century Dunfermline

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:28:00 +0100

Thousands of people descended on Fife over the weekend as its past was celebrated in the most dramatic way imaginable.

Supporters say stopover sites are best option for 'controlling' Traveller stays

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:26:00 +0100

The establishment of "stopover sites" for Gypsy Travellers in Fife has been cautiously welcomed as the best way to "control the situation".

Tayport raises a cup to celebrate new community cafe

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 12:52:00 +0100

Tayport's community cafe was officially opened this week.

Cupar farm operators admit safety failings contributed to tragic death of worker Keith Wannan

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:24:00 +0100

The operators of a Fife farm face an unlimited fine after a worker was crushed to death in a potato harvester.

Leuchars Air Show crowds could still have chance to pay tribute to Red Arrows

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:38:00 +0100

Hopes are high that the Red Arrows will fly at this year's Leuchars Air Show.

Fife Council denies claims that New City House HQ in Dunfermline is being run down

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:53:00 +0100

Claims that Fife Council's Dunfermline headquarters is being run down have been strenuously denied.

Packed line-up promises to put Bruce Festival visitors in seventh heaven

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:55:00 +0100

The final preparations are being made for Dunfermline's Bruce Festival.

Feddinch golf course developers claim 'reasonably positive' reaction from locals

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:21:00 +0100

Developers behind a controversial Fife golf course development say amended plans have met a "reasonably positive" response.

Local businessmen quick to challenge council's claim of 'qualified support' for Traveller stopover site at Crail

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:04:00 +0100

Fife Council's plan for a dedicated stopover site for Gypsy Travellers on the outskirts of Crail is already causing serious concern in the area.

Dead man's family say they have been snubbed by justice secretary

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:55:00 +0100

A Fife family demanding answers over their son's death say they have been snubbed by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.

Kirkcaldy area councillors reach no conclusion on Earlseat windfarm plan

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:38:00 +0100

A major windfarm planned for the outskirts of Kirkcaldy has received a mixed reception from councillors.

'They attacked my beliefs' — former St Andrews student thanks authorities for helping to secure conviction

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:04:00 +0100

A former St Andrews student who a court has ruled was the victim of Israel-related racial abuse has thanked Fife police and university officials for helping him pursue the case.

MSP offers support after claims remaining Simclar staff in Dunfermline are facing intimidation

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:14:00 +0100

An MSP has claimed that workers at an at-risk Dunfermline factory are being "intimidated" over union membership.

St Andrews University expels man found guilty of racially abusing Jewish student

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:47:00 +0100

A St Andrews University student's career plans are in tatters after he was found guilty of defiling an Israeli flag.

Fife Council pressing on with Gypsy Traveller stopover sites despite local opposition

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:46:00 +0100

Plans for dedicated stopover sites for Gypsy Travellers have been approved by Fife Council.

Fife Constabulary redundancy notices called 'premature'

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:29:00 +0100

Fife Police have been urged to rescind statutory redundancy notices issued to 250 civilian staff.

Crail Thrash crash victim continues to fight for life

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:32:00 +0100

A man remains in a critical condition in hospital following a crash at a race track in Fife over the weekend.

'A most wicked crime' — conman steals three-figure sum from 93-year-old Rosyth man

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:26:00 +0100

A callous fraudster has swindled a Fife pensioner out of a large amount of cash.

Tragic death of Flt Lt Jon Egging casts doubt over Red Arrows' appearance at Leuchars Air Show

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:12:00 +0100

The tragic death of a Red Arrows pilot at the weekend has cast doubt over the appearance of the much-loved team at this year's Leuchars Air Show.

Cardenden biomass project comes with promise of cheaper energy for tenants

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:51:00 +0100

Work on a £35 million project to provide cheaper heating and hot water to hundreds of homes in Cardenden could start by the middle of next year.

Councillors asked to back official sites for Travellers at Crail, Cardenden and Cairneyhill

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:50:00 +0100

Dedicated stopover sites for gypsy Travellers are set to be established near Crail, Cardenden and Cairneyhill.

Fife police charge 18-year-old with inciting riots on Facebook

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:02:00 +0100

Another Fifer has been taken into police custody after allegedly inciting riots on Facebook.

Hull of Royal Navy's future aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth reaches Rosyth

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:10:00 +0100

A massive section of the UK's first Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier arrived at its new home in Fife over the weekend.

Driver fighting for his life after accident at Crail Thrash

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:29:00 +0100

Visitors to a motor sport event in Fife have been left in shock after a spectacular crash left a 46-year-old man fighting for his life.

Flower power shows support for Poppyscotland in Glenrothes

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 11:24:00 +0100

A living tribute to Poppyscotland has been blooming in Glenrothes.

Funeral of Professor Paul Wilkinson held in Crail

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 08:20:00 +0100

A leading authority on global terrorism and political violence was remembered at a ceremony in Fife.

Location, location, location: St Andrews flat with 'finest view in golf' on market for over £1.75 million

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 08:07:00 +0100

A St Andrews property with "probably the finest view in golf" has gone on the market.

Drink-driver who crashed into wall was found barefoot and soaked in urine

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:25:00 +0100

Police called to investigate after a car hit a wall found the driver responsible barefoot and urine soaked.

Developer ordered to stop felling trees at Dunfermline housing site while complaint is investigated

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:43:00 +0100

A developer has been ordered to stop felling trees on a historic Dunfermline site.

Crail funeral for St Andrews University terrorism expert Professor Paul Wilkinson

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:01:00 +0100

One of the world's leading experts in the study of global terrorism and political violence is being laid to rest in Fife today.

Closure of Co-Op store — and loss of 42 jobs — described as a 'huge blow' for Glenrothes

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:08:00 +0100

A Glenrothes supermarket is to close its doors next month, with the loss of 42 jobs.

BAE Systems lands Typhoon radar contract

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:28:00 +0100

BAE Systems' manufacturing division at Hillend near Dalgety Bay has won the major contract to develop parts of the radar systems on the next generation of the Typhoon combat aircraft.

Attacker Andrew Wood's £500 Facebook bribery attempt

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:05:00 +0100

A drunken Fife man who brutally assaulted a student later offered his terrified victim a £500 bribe to drop the charges against him.

Perth and Kinross planning chief intervenes to register Newburgh windfarm concerns

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:57:00 +0100

The furious windfarm row which has divided a Fife town has escalated after a neighbouring local authority waded in.

Fife nurse struck off for 'grave' blood transfusion error

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:24:00 +0100

A Fife nurse has been struck off for misconduct.

Tottenham Hotspur stars enjoy some St Andrews hospitality ahead of Europa League clash against Hearts

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:20:00 +0100

A world-famous St Andrews hotel has been playing host to some of Europe's best known footballers.

Ring the bells — Burntisland party to celebrate return of clock chimes

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:55:00 +0100

A special event to signal the return of clock chimes to Burntisland is to be held after they were silenced several months ago.

Company behind plans for 67m wind turbine near Lochgelly say it would be no louder than 'the noise of leaves rustling in a gentle breeze'

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:33:00 +0100

Plans have been submitted for a 67-metre wind turbine on the outskirts of a Fife village.

Shadow makes a dog's dinner out of toy teapot

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:27:00 +0100

Every pet owner knows dogs should enjoy a balanced diet.

RAF Leuchars: Danny Alexander breaks silence to admit involvement in closure decision

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:56:00 +0100

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has admitted involvement in the decision to axe RAF Leuchars.

Investigation launched into nitric acid leak at Diageo's Cameronbridge distillery

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:33:00 +0100

An investigation has been launched into the cause of a chemical leak at a Fife distillery.

Councillor claims Gateside wind turbine is evidence of planning system 'deception'

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:06:00 +0100

Guidelines surrounding wind turbine applications are "deceptive" and could lead to the nation's countryside being "desecrated," a councillor has claimed.

Tesco plan prompts Leven Business Association to question knock-on benefits of large supermarkets

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:25:00 +0100

Tesco's renewed plans to build a store in Leven have been greeted with concern by local businesses.

Fife Youth Olympiad Games team praised for their Italian job

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:50:00 +0100

Youngsters and coaches who represented Fife at this year's Youth Olympiad Games have been praised for their medal haul.

Hundreds join Facebook bid to fight threat to home births in Fife

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:55:00 +0100

Hundreds of women have joined an online campaign against threats to end Fife's home birth service.

Workers evacuated after nitric acid spill at Diageo's Cameronbridge plant

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:41:00 +0100

Workers were evacuated from a Fife distillery on Monday following a chemical leak.

Kirkcaldy teenager accused of inciting riots held on remand

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:24:00 +0100

A Fife teenager accused of inciting riots on a social network has been remanded in custody.

Dunfermline's Bruce Festival first to benefit from Alfred Stewart Property Foundation

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:58:00 +0100

Dunfermline's Bruce Festival is the first beneficiary of a foundation which hopes to inject millions into west Fife.

Newport's Netherlea Hospital seems certain to close following review

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:06:00 +0100

A hospital that cares for elderly patients will almost certainly be recommended for closure this year, The Courier understands.

'Common sense' allows Auchtermuchty yard of ale contest to continue

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:00:00 +0100

A popular yard of ale competition staged annually in a Fife village is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, despite concerns raised ahead of this year's event.

Fly long and prosper — Vulcan to return to Leuchars Airshow

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Visitors to this year's RAF Leuchars Airshow will be treated to the sight of the Vulcan bomber, among others.

David Swan, who threatened neighbour with a cut-throat razor, is spared prison

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:27:00 +0100

A Crail man who threatened a neighbour with a cut-throat razor earlier this year has been spared jail at Cupar Sheriff Court.

More cuts to Fife Fire and Rescue would endanger public, claims councillor

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:41:00 +0100

Any further cuts to front-line fire and rescue staff in Fife would pose a danger to the public and fire crews, a Fife councillor has claimed.

Floods close roads across Fife as fire crews join relief effort

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:33:00 +0100

Roads across Fife were closed on Thursday as drains struggled to cope with Wednesday night's deluge.

Jailed Fife man Derek Lewis put baby's life at risk with fire-raising

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:47:00 +0100

A Fife man who endangered the lives of his ex-partner and her young child by setting fire to the entrance of her home with them still inside has been jailed for three years.

Criticising lack of consultation over moving army to HMS Caledonia in Rosyth

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:31:00 +0100

Rosyth SNP councillor Douglas Chapman has hit out at the lack of local consultation over the UK Government's decision to base part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland at HMS Caledonia.

Rosyth resident tells of years of flooding misery

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:19:00 +0100

A Rosyth woman yet again watched muddy flood-waters rising around her house during Wednesday's rain.

Queen Margaret Hospital 'richly deserves' award for standard of cancer care

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:13:00 +0100

The high standard of care given to cancer patients at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline has been recognised with an award to Fife for the first time.

Privatisation 'only option on the table' for Fife's care homes — councillor

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0100

The row over Fife Council's plans to privatise all 10 of its care homes shows no signs of abating after an opposition councillor rubbished the suggestion they could be taken over by the voluntary sector.

Politicians accused of scoring points over RAF Leuchars rather than looking to the future

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:22:00 +0100

A Fife independent councillor has attacked mainstream political parties for being more interested in scoring political points on the withdrawal of the RAF from Leuchars, rather than looking to the base's prospects.

Paper mill Tullis Russell to cut 43 jobs in Markinch

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:52:00 +0100

Fife paper mill Tullis Russell has announced that 43 jobs at its Markinch plant are to be axed.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie's hidden past revealed by Dunfermline Genealogy Club

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:56:00 +0100

It's every politician's worst nightmare.

Fife pensioner Jimmy Ewan buried in pauper's grave in Portugal after being lost at sea

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:38:00 +0100

A Burntisland pensioner who went missing from a cruise ship five years ago has been laid to rest in an unmarked grave in Portugal.

Unexploded torpedo fished out of River Forth is 'lost' in estuary

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:17:00 +0100

A torpedo which was reeled in by a fishing boat off the coast of Fife last week has been "lost."

Cupar's dreaded South Road roadworks welcomed by councillor

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:09:00 +0100

Resurfacing which is expected to challenge the patience of motorists going in and out of Cupar this week has been welcomed by a town councillor.

Councillor accused of hypocrisy and double standards over Fife Council care homes

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0100

Fife's SNP social work spokesman has hit back in the row over the future of council-run care homes, accusing the main opposition party of "hypocrisy and double standards" by continuing to criticise the plans.

'It's vitally important' — names of soldiers Kevin McHale and Sean Binnie to be added to memorial

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:58:00 +0100

The names of two soldiers, one killed in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, will be among the first to be etched on the newly-extended Kirkcaldy war memorial.

Overflowing drains flood Leuchars housing complex with sewage

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:53:00 +0100

Torrential rain has got right up the nose of a Leuchars pensioner.

Councillor rejects plans for single Scottish police force

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:22:00 +0100

A Fife councillor has joined calls to save local policing by rejecting proposals for a single Scottish police force.

MP urges MoD probe into Danny Alexander RAF Leuchars claims

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:48:04 +0100

A Fife MP has called on the Ministry of Defence to probe claims that RAF Leuchars may have been sacrificed to save the seat of chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander.

MP calls for task force on army's arrival at HMS Caledonia

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:37:00 +0100

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Thomas Docherty has called for a cross-party task force to be set up to ensure Fife is ready for the arrival of the army at HMS Caledonia.

Council presses ahead with plans to privatise Fife's care homes

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:17:00 +0100

Fife Council is pressing ahead with controversial plans to privatise its care home provision by formally seeking interest from the private or not- for-profit sector.

Leuchars airshow set to go ahead as planned

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:53:00 +0100

RAF Leuchars will host its air show next month, The Courier has learned.

Fife Constabulary hails community policing strategy amid drop in recorded crime

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:02:00 +0100

Fife Chief Constable Norma Graham has pledged to build on the success of the region's community policing strategy after crime in the region fell by 11%.

Apology demanded from Fife Council for contractor's shoddy workmanship

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:24:00 +0100

A Fife man has demanded an apology after contractors working on behalf of the council turned his home into a building site.

Transport minister Keith Brown refuses to meet A92 campaigners

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:43:00 +0100

Transport minister Keith Brown has refused to meet campaigners calling for an upgrade to the A92 in Fife.

Fears of major disruption in Cupar as South Road resurfacing work set to get under way

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:34:00 +0100

Work that could cause major disruption around one of the main roads into Cupar next week could pave the way for big improvements for pedestrians, drivers and residents.

Police confirm body found in woods is that of Lochgelly soldier Mehmet Ali Osman

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:03:00 +0100

Politicians have led tributes after police confirmed a body found in Dunfermline last week was that of a young Lochgelly soldier.

Suspected second world war shell comes ashore at Tentsmuir

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:53:00 +0100

Efforts to destroy a shell at Tentsmuir beach in Fife were hampered by the tide on Wednesday.

Campaign group dismisses Clatto Hill turbine report as a 'whitewash'

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:39:00 +0100

A campaign group has reacted angrily to the continuing efforts of a wind farm developer to minimise or even erase the major problems it believes proposals for seven turbines in the Fife countryside present.

Developer reveals new plans for vacant Cupar site

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:49:00 +0100

Ambitious proposals for a new housing development at a prominent site in South Road, Cupar, have been lodged with Fife Council, it has emerged.

Feuding travellers invade field and ruin Scottish Whippet Derby

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:58:00 +0100

The jewel in Scotland's whippet racing calendar had to be abandoned at the weekend after gypsy travellers tore through the venue.

Assurances that Drug and Alcohol Project Limited's closure will not leave vulnerable out in the cold

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:41:00 +0100

Assurances have been given that young problem drinkers will not be left to fend for themselves following the closure of a celebrated service.

Vet expresses anger after spate of injuries caused by discarded fishing hooks

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:39:00 +0100

A west Fife vet has been left disgusted by a recent spate of serious injuries to animals and birds caused by carelessly discarded fishing hooks.

New era dawns as Kirkcaldy port is set to welcome its first cargo in decades

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:16:00 +0100

Kirkcaldy port is days away from welcoming its first cargo ship for more than two decades.

Objectors to proposed golf development at Feddinch seek to uncover facts behind application

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:48:00 +0100

Opponents of a proposed multi-million-pound golf and leisure development near St Andrews say they hope to take their concerns to Fife councillors in person later this month as they seek to uncover the facts behind the application's history.

Cancer care fears caused by uncertainty over hospital cuts

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:57:00 +0100

A Fife health campaigner fears cancer patients could miss out on hospice care if plans to axe beds are given the go-ahead.

Discovery of body sparks fears for missing soldier Mehmet Ali Osman

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:49:00 +0100

Relatives of a Lochgelly soldier who has been missing for more than two months are facing an anxious wait for news after police revealed the body of a man was found in woods at Dunfermline's eastern expansion.

Methil residents cry foul as odour makes return

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:12:00 +0100

The infamous "Methil ming" has been getting up the noses of Levenmouth residents once more.

Black day as teenage driver is killed and cyclist seriously injured on Fife roads

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:41:00 +0100

A black day on Fife's roads saw a teenager killed and a cyclist left fighting for life in hospital after incidents that happened within a few hours of each other.

Asylum seeker Kishor Dangol once again faces being deported from Kirkcaldy back to Nepal

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:07:00 +0100

Nepali asylum seeker Kishor Dangol, who has lived in Kirkcaldy for over a decade, is set to be deported this week after his latest bid to stay in the country failed.

VIDEO: People's Postcode Lottery arrives in lucky Leven

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:03:00 +0100

Lucky Leven residents scooped a total of £30,000 when they struck gold in the People's Postcode Lottery this week.

Generation game — family birthday party spans the decades

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:30:00 +0100

There were beaming smiles all round when five generations came together in Fife to celebrate a very special new arrival.

Suspected drink-driver told police 'phobia of white tubes' prevented him giving breath test

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:28:00 +0100

A Fife man has been banned from the road and faces losing his job and home after he told police he could not give a breath specimen because of "a phobia of white tubes."

Meet the neighbours — Laurel the seal decides it's time to say hello

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:56:00 +0100

You know what it's like when the new neighbours are moving in. From behind the net curtains you peer at their arrival, wondering if they'll be friendly, if they'll be noisy.

Fifers given opportunity to pay respects to victims of Norway killings

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:12:00 +0100

Books of condolence have been opened in Fife to give people the chance to show their solidarity with Norway following last week's atrocities.

Businessman saves Kirkcaldy's Old Kirk

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:58:00 +0100

A historic church has been saved and preserved for future generations after a generous benefactor brought about a change of ownership.

RAF Leuchars: Locals meet to discuss ways of securing 'best possible deal' for Fife

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:52:00 +0100

Campaigners have joined forces with government officials and local authority chiefs to demand the "best possible deal" for Fife following the decision to axe RAF Leuchars.

Councillors urged to save lauded Drug and Alcohol Project Limited

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:30:00 +0100

Fife councillors have been urged to save the threatened Drug and Alcohol Project Limited (DAPL) when the health and social care partnership meets on August 25.

FoI revelations add fuel to Newburgh wind farm row

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:05:00 +0100

The row dividing Newburgh shows no signs of abating after supporters of a controversial wind farm were accused of attempting to hoodwink the public.

'Healthy interest' in scheme that would see public halls taken over by communities

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:49:00 +0100

Fifers are being given the chance to buy their community halls.

Leuchars van driver drove while four times drink limit

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:58:00 +0100

A Leuchars man who drove while four times the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road for four years at Dundee Sheriff Court.

RAF Leuchars: Signs that defence secretary may bow to demands for Fife visit

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:25:00 +0100

After a week of heated debate and criticism, the Ministry of Defence has hinted that Liam Fox may at last be prepared to visit RAF Leuchars.

54 speeding offences detected during A92 day of action

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:13:00 +0100

Disappointment has been expressed after dozens of motorists were caught speeding on Fife's main arterial road during a concerted police "day of action" focusing on the route.

Gordon Brown and Jim Leishman visit set of film that taps into community's rich seam

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:51:00 +0100

Under blazing summer skies on Tuesday former Prime Minister Gordon Brown stood in the middle of a Fife landscape once farmed by his ancestors.

Anstruther coming together to protect its built heritage

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:51:00 +0100

Proposals to provide some of Anstruther's most historic buildings with a £1.5 million facelift are progressing well.

Plaudits count for little as Drug and Alcohol Project Limited's street referral project faces closure

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:23:00 +0100

A celebrated project providing early intervention for underage drinkers in Fife is to close in September.

Methil mum 'terrified' for daughter who found needles in park

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:31:00 +0100

A Methil mother said she is "terrified" for her daughter after she was injured by a hypodermic needle found in a park.

RAF Leuchars: Defence secretary Liam Fox insists closure of base 'makes sense'

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:43:00 +0100

Defence secretary Liam Fox insists the closure of RAF Leuchars makes "strategic sense."

Bruce Festival banquet offers chance to take a culinary step back in time

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:35:00 +0100

A feast fit for a king — that is what is being planned for Dunfermline's Bruce Festival.

St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum given a postcard bequest worth writing about

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:51:00 +0100

Staff at the St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum are celebrating the "magnificent" bequest of a collection of an incredible 1179 postcards of the town.

RAF Leuchars: Fears there will be a 'fallow period' before the army arrives in Fife

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:41:00 +0100

An army formation headquarters will be set up at Leuchars in Fife within two-and-a-half years.

More tombstoning warnings after teenager is injured at St Monans

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:49:00 +0100

A teenager was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after he was injured during a "tombstoning" leap in the East Neuk of Fife on Saturday.

'He wanted buried at home' — family's bitter struggle over final resting place of Private Mark Connolly

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:42:00 +0100

The heartbroken mother of a Black Watch soldier from Fife, who died following an alleged brawl with another squaddie, will fight with "all the strength she has left in her" to ensure her son is laid to rest near the family home.

St Andrews' new seal ready Togo on a journey for friendship

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 13:31:00 +0100

A lonely seal at St Andrews Aquarium, who was separated from her companion during a freak storm last year, is set to find happiness again.

Young Fife chef Conor McLean accepted for apprenticeship at Savoy Hotel

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:33:00 +0100

A talented teenage chef from Fife is preparing to take up an apprenticeship at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Kingdom Shopping Centre does its best to make life a beach for visitors

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:04:00 +0100

With the great Scottish weather as reliable as ever, visitors to Kingdom Shopping Centre in Glenrothes are being guaranteed sunshine of a sort at the venue's new indoor beach.

'No sandwich is safe in the High Street' — Kirkcaldy's seagulls causing panic from above

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:06:00 +0100

Kirkcaldy residents are being urged not to feed gulls after a number of reported attacks.

'Hero' Fife sniper Christopher Reynolds pays for assaulting girlfriend

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:29:00 +0100

A Fife soldier awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in Afghanistan has been ordered to pay £500 compensation to the girlfriend he battered just a month before receiving the accolade.

Morrisons reaffirms pledge to open £25 million supermarket in Kirkcaldy

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:55:00 +0100

Supermarket giant Morrisons has reiterated its commitment to open a £25 million store in the Inverteil area of Kirkcaldy, which it claims could become a reality as early as next year if the development gets the final go-ahead.

RAF Leuchars: Defence Secretary Liam Fox branded a 'coward'

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:09:00 +0100

Under-fire Defence Secretary Liam Fox has been branded "a coward" for not visiting Leuchars after announcing this week that the RAF base there will close to make way for a new army headquarters.

Kenny MacAskill praises 'excellent initiative' to tackle underage drinking

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:17:00 +0100

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill met a Cupar shopkeeper on Wednesday to find out how responsible licensees were tackling underage drinking.

Feddinch golf course project signs up former Open champion Tom Weiskopf as designer

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:33:00 +0100

Former Open champion Tom Weiskopf has unveiled plans to transform fields on the outskirts of St Andrews into a private golf course.

Wind farm opponent films YouTube retort to Newburgh Community Trust

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:41:00 +0100

Newburgh's YouTube wind farm war has intensified, with claims of "personal vilification."

RAF Leuchars: Sir Menzies Campbell says base 'was never meant to close'

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:42:00 +0100

There was never a "single argument" to dispute the compelling strategic case to retain RAF Leuchars and its closure will have a "profound effect" on the government's ability to protect UK citizens, North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell has told The Courier.

ABN keen to get back to normal at 'important' fire-hit Cupar Muir mill

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:58:00 +0100

Operators of an animal feed mill in Fife that was badly damaged by fire last week say they hope to return to business as usual as soon as possible.

Police hope to curb card crime by raising awareness of skimming techniques

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:17:00 +0100

Police in Fife are hoping to curb escalating cases of bank card crime by raising awareness of the high-tech methods used by criminals at cash machines across the region.

RAF Leuchars: campaigners flabbergasted by minister's 'extraordinary snub'

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 07:53:00 +0100

Just a day after his brief statement in the Commons ended the RAF's century-long association with Fife, defence secretary Liam Fox has been accused of an "extraordinary snub."

RAF Leuchars: chamber of commerce chief sees opportunity amid upheaval

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 17:55:00 +0100

Creating army barracks at Leuchars could boost the Fife economy — despite the loss of high-profile events such as the air show.

RAF Leuchars: minister asks community to embrace new army future

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:35:00 +0100

The minister charged with the grim task of visiting Leuchars on the day it was confirmed that the RAF is to be removed from the base has urged the community to embrace the base's new identity as an army garrison.

RAF Leuchars: council leader says 'basic courtesies' missing from MoD announcement

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:18:00 +0100

The leader of Fife Council has accused the Ministry of Defence of lacking "basic courtesy" over its decision to withdraw the RAF from Leuchars.

Public warned to stay away from dangerous fire-hit mill building in Inverkeithing

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:31:00 +0100

The public are being warned to stay away from the "dangerous" site of Caldwell's paper mill as police launch an investigation into the cause of yet another major fire at the disused Inverkeithing factory.

RAF Leuchars: Alex Salmond insists future as army base is 'substantial consolation prize' for Fife

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:13:00 +0100

First Minister Alex Salmond has said becoming the headquarters of Scotland's new army brigade is a "substantial consolation prize" for Fife — after it was confirmed that the RAF is to be pulled out of Leuchars.

RAF Leuchars: local campaigners greet closure news with tears and anger

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:19:00 +0100

There were tears of disbelief when, after months of mounting speculation and crippling uncertainty, news that RAF Leuchars is to be axed was finally confirmed.

Fife Ness coastguard station closure 'appears to have been a fait accompli'

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:21:00 +0100

The UK Government's determination to close the Fife Ness coastguard station proves it is "out of touch," an MSP has warned.

Liam Fox confirms RAF Leuchars' closure as an air base

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:34:00 +0100

After 100 years of proud aviation history, the death knell has sounded for the world-famous RAF Leuchars air base.

Street closure for Byre Theatre's Inside Out festival doesn't play well with everyone

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:47:00 +0100

The decision to shut one of Fife's busiest shopping streets for a street theatre festival has been branded "absurd".

Government to announce closure of RAF Leuchars

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:33:00 +0100

RAF Leuchars will be condemned to closure as an airbase in a move that will have devastating repercussions for Fife and further afield and could severely damage the local economy.

Plan to end Fife home births due to costs and falling demand

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:26:00 +0100

Fife's NHS bosses are planning to end the service which allows expectant mothers to give birth at home.

ABN mill fire investigation will take some time

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:06:00 +0100

A probe into what caused a major fire at an animal feed mill in Fife is set to continue for some days to come, The Courier understands.

Tuesday decision means weekend of waiting for RAF Leuchars supporters

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0100

After months of speculation and crippling uncertainty, campaigners fighting for the retention of RAF Leuchars have told The Courier they would spend this weekend praying for a positive outcome.

Activities company Blown Away speeds off with another award

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:33:00 +0100

Twins Guy and Jamie McKenzie, who run Scotland's first land yachting company, have the wind in their sails after receiving yet another award.

Major alert as blaze rips through ABN mill near Cupar

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:01:00 +0100

Huge fireballs leapt several hundred feet into the air as up to 70 firefighters desperately fought to control a blaze at a Fife factory.

Church of Scotland receives offer for Kirkcaldy's Old Kirk building

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 10:52:00 +0100

Kirkcaldy's Old Kirk building — put up for sale in March — is now under offer, the Church of Scotland has confirmed.

RNLI can't be politically involved in Coastguard closures row

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 08:58:00 +0100

A high ranking figure at the RNLI has stressed the charity would continue to concentrate on saving lives at sea, despite the coalition government announcing this week it was to axe a number of coastguard stations including one in Fife.

Four and a half years' jail for man who carried out 'horrific' attack in Anstruther

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:28:00 +0100

A Fifer who brutally assaulted a man with a block of wood when a long-running feud spiralled out of control has been jailed for four and a half years.

Court hears of St Andrews caddie's life ruined by drink and drug addictions

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:48:00 +0100

A court has heard how a highly-regarded St Andrews caddie's life "spiralled out of control" after he became hooked on class A drugs.

Binmen want to throw out Fife Council's planned changes to rubbish collections

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:33:00 +0100

Fife Council's latest bid to save money by making changes to rubbish collections has received an angry reaction from binmen.

Teenager fined and banned from driving for colliding with Bell Baxter pupil

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:39:00 +0100

A pupil at a Fife school was treated in hospital after a teenage motorist ran him over during a lunch break.

NHS Fife accused of trying to 'shut up the public' with break-up of patients' forum

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:13:00 +0100

The loss of the NHS Fife patients' forum amid a shake-up of hospital services "defies all logic," a health board member has said.

Parents worried that Newport Primary School pupils could lose large part of their playing fields

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:29:00 +0100

Proposals which could result in a Fife primary school losing a chunk of its playing fields have caused controversy.

'It's a town, not a village' — Newburgh wind farm supporters' video gives birth to a catchphrase

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:05:00 +0100

YouTube is a feature of everyday life for younger generations but a pair of silver surfers from Fife have used the video-sharing site to highlight a community project.

Imam calls for 'inter-faith dialogue' after attack on Muslim woman

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:14:00 +0100

A representative of Fife's muslim community has called for more inter-faith dialogue to raise awareness of other cultures.

Jobs hope for Halbeath's mothballed Hyundai site

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:37:00 +0100

The Newcastle firm hoping to breathe life back into the mothballed former Hyundai plant at Halbeath is confident that ploughing more money into the site will reap rewards.

'He was quite a little character' — Piper the baby meerkat dies

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:37:00 +0100

A baby meerkat which captured the hearts of visitors to St Andrews Aquarium has died.

Community council says its own survey found strong opposition to St Andrews University's Kenly wind farm plan

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:45:00 +0100

A row has broken out over St Andrews University's proposals to cater for all its energy needs through a purpose-built wind farm.

Yet more delay before plans for RAF Leuchars are confirmed

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:52:00 +0100

An announcement on the future of RAF Leuchars has been further delayed as the air force and army battle it out for the right to be based in Fife, The Courier can reveal.

Father of Pike River tragedy victim Malcolm Campbell says miners had faced 'mega-pressure'

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:25:00 +0100

A Scot killed when a series of devastating blasts ripped through the Pike River mine in New Zealand had spoken of being under "mega-pressure" prior to the catastrophe — leading to fears safety took a back seat.

Health campaigner calls for open debate on palliative care plans in Fife

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:20:00 +0100

NHS Fife has been urged to come clean on the possible closure of a Dunfermline hospice.

Jail term for Leslie man who ripped burka from woman's head

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:11:00 +0100

A Fife drug addict who assaulted a Muslim woman by pulling a burka from her head has been sent to jail.

New B&Q store safeguards jobs in Leven

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 07:27:00 +0100

B&Q is opening a new store in Leven, safeguarding 18 jobs at the former Focus DIY store.

Strathkinness village shop has EU rules to thank for closure, councillor claims

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:15:00 +0100

A councillor claims the closure of the only shop in a Fife village is down to European Union bureaucrats.

Fife Council leader admits plan to axe 80 management posts will put more pressure on staff left behind

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:48:00 +0100

Fife Council is to cut around 80 management posts in a move which will save £3.2 million a year.

Social networking warnings for 'fewer than 10' NHS Fife staff

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:30:00 +0100

NHS Fife staff have been "dealt with" after inappropriate use of social networks, it has emerged.

PICTURED: the appalling neglect that meant this Shetland pony had to be put down

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:58:00 +0100

A Shetland pony found with overgrown hooves in Fife was in such a neglected state it had to be put to sleep.

Court of Session upholds Fife Council decision to refuse taxi driver licence

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:13:00 +0100

Fife Council regulations and licensing committee chairman Gerry McMullan has welcomed a Court of Session ruling which backed its refusal to renew a Kirkcaldy taxi driver's licence.

Threatened RAF base's important link to Leuchars conservation project

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:14:00 +0100

With the decision which will seal RAF Leuchars' fate only a few days away, a small conservation project has demonstrated the important links the base has with the community.

Sir Menzies Campbell: there is an unanswerable case for retaining RAF Leuchars

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:15:00 +0100

In a special article, MP Sir Menzies Campbell tells The Courier why the UK Government should keep RAF Leuchars open.

Sixty-year friendships forged through nursing celebrated as Fod classmates of 1951 reunite

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:30:00 +0100

When a group of teenagers with ambitions to be nurses met for the first time in Dunfermline in 1951, little did they realise they were starting friendships that would last 60 years.

Community praised for work on Falkland pedestrian bridge

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 08:18:00 +0100

Community efforts to provide a replacement pedestrian bridge in Falkland following flood damage in 2008 have been called "terrific".

Thornton man jailed for drunken attack with hammer

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:28:00 +0100

A man downed a litre of vodka before carrying out an attack with a hammer, a court heard.

Community service order for Guardbridge woman who spat on man during homophobic assault

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:38:00 +0100

A Fife woman bowed her head in shame as a court heard how she screamed abuse at her same-sex neighbours, branding them "dirty".

Man's body found in Dunfermline — the third sudden death in five days

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:44:00 +0100

Dunfermline has been reacting to the news that a man's body was found in the High Street on Thursday.

'We cannot do any more' — Strathkinness shop owner gives emotional insight into financial pressures facing village services

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:25:00 +0100

The increasing dominance of Britain's supermarkets is being keenly felt in a picturesque Fife village after the owner of its only shop decided to throw in the towel.

Scottish Government rejects 'Trojan horse' housing proposal for Wormit

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:38:00 +0100

Controversial plans which would have led to a population explosion in Wormit have been thrown out by a Scottish Government reporter.

Police investigate female jogger's frightening ordeal at hands of stranger

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:38:00 +0100

A lone female jogger was subjected to a frightening ordeal last week after being approached three times by the same man.

Pair found dead in Dunfermline named as James Drysdale and Derek Neilson

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:37:00 +0100

Police have today named the two men whose bodies were found in a house in Dunfermline at the weekend.

Fire Brigades Union says cuts leave Fife service facing an 'impossible' task

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:47:00 +0100

Firefighters in Fife face an "impossible" task and can no longer guarantee public safety, it has been claimed.

Major boost to dental services with new centres in Methil and Glenrothes

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:49:00 +0100

Two new NHS dental access centres open in Fife this summer.

Second world war shell found on Kinshaldy beach is blown up by experts

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:01:00 +0100

Bomb disposal experts have finally been able to blow up a second world war bomb that washed up on Kinshaldy beach in Fife on Wednesday.

Climate change committee issues warning on Longannet carbon capture scheme

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:50:00 +0100

A cutting-edge carbon capture and storage programme planned for Longannet Power Station could miss its start date unless promised government funding is approved immediately.

'Essential' that Rosyth ferry freight service is retained

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:28:00 +0100

Any loss of the freight ferry service running between Scotland and Europe would be catastrophic, experts have warned.

Drugs suspected in deaths of Dunfermline men

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:49:00 +0100

Drugs are believed to have claimed the lives of two men in the Touch area of Dunfermline.

GAFG appeals to transport minister Keith Brown after blow to hopes of A92 upgrade

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:33:00 +0100

A Glenrothes action group has called on the Scottish Government to reject an "unacceptable" recommendation not to upgrade the A92.

Drama as men's bodies found in Dunfermline

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:59:00 +0100

The bodies of two men have been discovered in a Fife town, sparking a major police operation.

Discussion with UK Government source a further boost for RAF Leuchars

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:43:00 +0100

The campaign to retain RAF Leuchars has been handed a massive boost after defence chiefs were warned any alternative would leave Scotland facing an "economic disaster."

Biker dies at Queen Margaret Hospital after A912 Falkland-Strathmiglo accident

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:36:00 +0100

A 40-year-old motorcyclist has died after he came off his bike on the A912 Falkland-Strathmiglo road in Fife.

New chief executive for Kingsbarns Golf Links

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 10:10:00 +0100

Kingsbarns Golf Links has appointed Alan Hogg as its new chief executive.

Wartime comments forgotten as Duke of Edinburgh charms Methil

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:05:00 +0100

The Duke of Edinburgh may have once been rumoured to call Methil a "dump", however the people of the Fife town proved they had put the past behind them on Friday by warmly greeting their royal visitor with smiles and cheers.

Supporters confident of future for St Andrews Botanic Garden — but not without change

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:26:00 +0100

A popular Fife attraction at the centre of a funding crisis could yet enjoy a bright future following a series of negotiations between interested parties.

Grand Saturday opening for Craigtoun Country Park's famous miniature train

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:52:00 +0100

Just a few short months ago, the very future of Craigtoun Country Park was hanging in the balance.

Councillors reject planners' advice and approve Morrisons supermarket in Kirkcaldy

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:37:00 +0100

People power prevailed at Fife Council headquarters when campaigners for a Kirkcaldy supermarket were granted their wish.

Mother of injured road workman angered by 'pathetic' sentence handed to driver Jordan Caird

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:26:00 +0100

The mother of one of two workmen struck by a car while they painted lines on a road has described as "pathetic" the sentence handed down to the driver.

Prime Minister David Cameron's comments give hope for RAF Leuchars' future

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:07:00 +0100

Prime Minister David Cameron has raised hopes RAF Leuchars will be spared closure after declaring himself "impressed" by the "remarkable" level of support for the base.

Councillor says critics of £40 million Madras College plan 'want to see this project fail'

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:16:00 +0100

A senior councillor has launched a stinging rebuke to critics of the £40 million proposal to build a new school in St Andrews.

Big party to celebrate full testing phase of Rosyth dockyard's giant Goliath crane

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:08:00 +0100

There were fireworks over the Forth when Fife's newest landmark — the Goliath crane at Rosyth dockyard — was officially opened.

Fife to investigate using online video to 'engage more people' in council business

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:15:00 +0100

Meetings of Fife Council could be filmed and streamed online in a bid to make decision making more accessible to the public.

MoD spending provides hint of RAF Leuchars' survival

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:30:00 +0100

Campaigners believe the pendulum is swinging in favour of retention of RAF Leuchars after figures revealed the Ministry of Defence has recently pumped almost £3 million into the base.

'Quality, originality and diversity' — food ambassador ready to sing Fife's praises

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:35:00 +0100

Food writer and chef Christopher Trotter will attempt to open the doors of Fife's larder to the waiting world, as he has been named the region's first food ambassador.

'Every time I close my eyes I hear it again' — cyclist faces long and expensive road to recovery after terrible accident with lorry

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:41:00 +0100

A Fife woman whose life was left hanging by a thread after a devastating accident in Italy now faces an agonising battle to fund critical medical care.

Split could undo plans for single-site Madras College

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:46:00 +0100

After years of meticulous planning, £40 million proposals to build what was heralded as "one of Europe's finest schools" in St Andrews could unravel in the face of unprecedented criticism.

Jordans nightclub in Cupar given green light to continue youth band nights

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:41:00 +0100

A Cupar nightclub has been allowed to continue holding band nights for teenagers despite police concerns about underage drinking.

Dunfermline's Simclar Group enters administration — putting more than 200 jobs at risk

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:15:00 +0100

Dunfermline's Simclar Group has gone into administration, putting more than 200 jobs at risk.

Meeting with Michael Moore leaves Residents Action Force Leuchars spokesman buoyant

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:01:00 +0100

The fight to save RAF Leuchars will go down to the wire after senior officials at the heart of the UK Government revealed details of the controversial strategic defence review are still being thrashed out.

Soots you — John Hunter powers to victory in Scottish Coal Carrying Championship in Kelty

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:02:00 +0100

Thousands lined the streets as a world champion left a series of rivals choking on his dust at an iconic sporting event in Fife at the weekend.

Thousands take to the streets for aquatic-themed Dunfermline Children's Gala parade

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:31:00 +0100

There was something fishy going on in Dunfermline at the weekend.

Lifeboat crew races to save dog stranded off Crail

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:06:00 +0100

A pet dog has cheated death by just a few seconds after being cut off by rising tides off the coast of Fife.

Pro-RAF Leuchars lobby meets Scottish secretary Michael Moore today

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:24:00 +0100

With a decision on the future of RAF Leuchars a maximum of three weeks away, the case to retain the Fife base will today be taken to the UK parliament.

Falkland Palace's restored tennis court already a smash hit with the swallows

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:36:00 +0100

All eyes may be on Andy Murray at Wimbledon, but the National Trust for Scotland has just served up its own ace at Falkland Palace.

New home the perfect birthday present for Laurel the seal

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 12:41:00 +0100

Last year may have been something of an "annus horribilis," but much-loved St Andrews seal Laurel is now looking to the future with renewed optimism.

Putting on the pressure — legend Tom Watson drops in to watch women's Himalayas competition

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:41:00 +0100

As one of the most famous and talented golfers of all time, Tom Watson has been involved in some mighty tussles on some of the world's finest fairways.

Dairsie man given probation for driving car over girlfriend

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:04:00 +0100

A drunken joyrider who ran over his girlfriend as she slept in a tent, leaving her permanently disfigured, has narrowly escaped being sent back to jail.

Police warn that bending of licensing rules is turning some members' clubs into nightclubs

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:34:00 +0100

Fife members' clubs could be subject to tighter restrictions to prevent them becoming "nightclubs" at weekends.

House of Commons transport committee report strengthens case of Fife Ness Coastguard station

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:30:00 +0100

A proposed cull of Coastguard bases, which would see the Fife Ness station axed, has been branded seriously flawed by a group of MPs.

NHS Fife 'does not recognise' sums mentioned in MSP's consultant contract allegation

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:23:00 +0100

Cash-strapped NHS Fife has defended its hiring practices amid allegations that it paid "hugely enhanced" salaries for consultants on a part-term contract.

Cally's heading to Harvard

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:56:00 +0100

A west Fife girl is one of only three young Scots to win a prestigious seven-week scholarship to Harvard.

Bruce Festival should deliver king-sized financial lift to Dunfermline

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:44:00 +0100

The Bruce Festival is set to produce a £400,000 boost for local traders, according to the event's organisers Dunfermline Delivers.

Glenrothes drugs raid digs up stolen plants

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:24:00 +0100

Flowers stolen from a Glenrothes park were returned after being found by police during a drugs raid.

Forestry Commission woods investigated for wind energy potential

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:25:00 +0100

The potential to harness wind energy in two Forestry Commission woodlands in Fife is being investigated, with three smaller forests also being looked at.

NHS staff consider themselves 'afterthoughts' — MSP

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:15:00 +0100

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP John Park has criticised the NHS over its treatment of hospital staff.

Group out to stop planned wind farm near Largoward

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:47:00 +0100

Stop Turbines At Cameron, Kinaldy (STACK) is fighting proposals to build five turbines near Largoward.

Newport's Netherlea Hospital subject of region's in-patient review

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:14:00 +0100

A Fife hospital that cares for elderly patients may become a casualty of changes to the region's health service.

Prince Philip returns to support Methil exhibition

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:17:00 +0100

The Duke of Edinburgh will return to Methil — the Fife town he was once rumoured to have called a "dump".

Unions claim St Andrews University jobs are under threat

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:34:00 +0100

Hundreds of employees at St Andrews University could either lose their jobs or be transferred to positions on lower pay grades, union officials have claimed.

A92 safety campaigners vow to fight on despite Transport Scotland report disappointment

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:10:00 +0100

A campaign to upgrade safety on the "death trap" A92 is to continue, despite the rejection of calls to improve the route.

PICTURED: the moment Cowdenbeath woman Christine Smith learned she'd won £30,000 on the People's Postcode Lottery

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:02:00 +0100

An extra-special delivery had a Cowdenbeath woman reeling in surprise on Monday.

New Cupar railway users group warns about overcrowding on morning services to Edinburgh

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:11:00 +0100

The packed state of some commuter trains running between Fife and Edinburgh is causing a "significant hazard" for passengers, it has been claimed.

MSP urges Fifers to pressure BT for broadband investment

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:21:00 +0100

A concerned MSP believes Fifers are being cheated out of superfast broadband due to some woefully inadequate telephone exchanges.

West Coast Energy reveals plans for third wind farm in Fife

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:23:00 +0100

A wind farm developer has unveiled plans to erect turbines at a third location in Fife.

Delayed A92 report rejects safety campaign calls

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:25:00 +0100

A long-awaited report on the safety of the A92 in Glenrothes has rejected calls to improve the route.

New pad should help Laurel the seal adapt to life as a single girl

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 17:34:00 +0100

A seal who hit the headlines when her other half went missing during stormy weather last year is preparing to celebrate her 20th birthday by splashing out in a brand new pool.

St Andrews Botanic Garden wins higher 'excellent' rating from VisitScotland

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 16:46:00 +0100

A Fife attraction at the centre of a funding crisis has been awarded four stars by Scotland's tourism body.

Muirview Unit at Stratheden Hospital recognised for 'architectural excellence'

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 15:47:00 +0100

A Fife hospital has been recognised for its "architectural excellence" by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Praise for RAF Leuchars reservist who was awarded the OBE

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 14:30:00 +0100

The leader of RAF Leuchars' reservist medics has been congratulated by the Chief of the Air Staff on receiving the OBE.

Dick and Dom go wild in Dunfermline

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 13:18:00 +0100

Film crews working on popular CBBC programme Dick And Dom Go Wild were in Dunfermline this week.

St Andrews Preservation Trust appoints Graham Wynd as chairman

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 11:19:00 +0100

Graham Wynd has been appointed chairman of the St Andrews Preservation Trust, in succession to John Matthews.

Young athlete Sean Clark runs into London 2012 mascot

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:49:00 +0100

A young Canmore Primary pupil who is "inspirational" to his teacher and her class had the surprise of his life when he came face-to-face with Wenlock, one of the London 2012 mascots.

HMS Illustrious heads for sea trials after Rosyth refit

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:15:00 +0100

HMS Illustrious has started sea trials after completing a £40 million upgrade at Rosyth.

Councillors agree to £15.5m waste plant — funded by 'prudential borrowing'

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:51:00 +0100

Plans for a multi-million-pound organic waste renewables plant have been approved by Fife councillors.

Late bid to block Fife Council's care homes plan defeated

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:06:00 +0100

A last-ditch bid to stop the privatisation of care homes in Fife failed as the council approved measures to help plug a £127 million gap in its capital investment plan.

Council hopes independent valuer can help Madras College and St Andrews University strike land deal

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:12:00 +0100

A new attempt is being made to break the impasse between Fife Council and St Andrews University over plans for a single-site replacement for Madras College.

Anstruther man punched woman in the face when Cellardyke hot tub party bubbled over into violence

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:50:00 +0100

A woman was hospitalised after a Fife man attacked her during a row in a hot tub.

New Kirkcaldy supermarket a 'major milestone'

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:03:00 +0100

A former Scottish Enterprise chief has hailed the decision of councillors to approve plans for a new supermarket in Kirkcaldy as a "major milestone" for the town.

Joblessness rate in Fife increases 7% in year

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:14:00 +0100

Fife is one of Scotland's top five unemployment blackspots, according to the latest figures.

MSPs pressure justice secretary over Colin Marr death inquiry

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:59:00 +0100

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has been urged to order a fresh probe into the death of a young Fife man, following claims the initial investigation was botched.

St Andrews students criticise 'silver bullet' solution to town centre residency

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:35:00 +0100

Student leaders have hit out at the two St Andrews councillors who supported introduction of a moratorium on houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in the town.

Railway on track for Craigtoun Country Park summer season

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:33:00 +0100

News that it is full steam ahead for Craigtoun Country Park's miniature railway this summer has been hailed.

Kingsbarns villagers in David and Goliath battle against Scottish Government

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:59:00 +0100

Outraged residents in a Fife village are drawing up plans to take on the might of the Scottish Government.

Fife Council suspends five recycling depot staff amid probe into allegations of metals theft

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:39:00 +0100

Fife Council has suspended five members of staff following allegations of theft.

More apologies from Fife Ethylene Plant operators

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:32:00 +0100

The operators of a Fife petrochemical plant have again apologised to local communities after it emerged that elevated flaring is expected to continue until Friday at least.

Former Brown aide urges Labour councillor to go as party in Fife continues to pick over election drubbing

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:52:00 +0100

A former aide to Gordon Brown has demanded the resignation of a Fife Labour councillor amid bitter in-fighting following the party's disastrous Holyrood election result.

St Andrews University's Kenly wind farm plans opened up for public scrutiny

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:02:00 +0100

Plans by St Andrews University to build its own wind farm are being laid out for public scrutiny.

Swedish DJ Basshunter cleared of sexually assaulting women at Kitty's nightclub

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:51:00 +0100

Swedish superstar DJ Basshunter has been cleared of sexually assaulting two women in a Fife nightclub.

Bat takes of advantage of full legal protection to enjoy a day in court

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:20:00 +0100

There was amazement when officials flung open the doors of a Fife courtroom to find a bat was in residence.

Cowdenbeath woman's home vibrated due to sudden shutdown of Fife Ethylene Plant

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:13:00 +0100

A Cowdenbeath woman has described how she "literally felt the walls of my home vibrating" due to the noise triggered by a weekend incident at Fife Ethylene Plant.

'Appalling and horrific' — St Andrews taxi firm loses five licences after damning inspection report

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:02:00 +0100

A Fife taxi firm has been stripped of several operating licences after councillors heard details of a shocking litany of test failures.

Fife Council to decide on future of Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 07:36:00 +0100

Councillors are likely to decide the fate of an outdoor education centre used by generations of Fifers at their next meeting.

Alex Salmond accused of sending mixed messages on role of private care home providers

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:48:00 +0100

Alex Salmond's personal backing of the decision to privatise Fife Council's care homes shows the Scottish Government has "no clear strategy" on the subject, Labour leader Iain Gray has claimed.

Locals want more answers as 'disturbing' flaring continues at Fife Ethylene Plant

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:54:00 +0100

Operations at the Fife Ethylene Plant should return to normal by the middle of the week, following a weekend disturbance which frightened hundreds of locals.

Tragic diver Graeme Mackie was a devoted family man

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:48:00 +0100

The diver who lost his life off the Fife coast at the weekend has been named as Tranent man Graeme Mackie.

Visitors urged to avoid lighting bonfires in West Sands dunes

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:46:00 +0100

Visitors are being warned that bonfires on one of Fife's most popular beaches are damaging the dunes.

Hopes of hundreds of jobs from Norwegian fish processor Morpol's move into Fife

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:05:00 +0100

Fife could be set for another major jobs boost, after the world's largest fish processor revealed its intention to establish a new plant at the former Lexmark factory in Rosyth.

Noise of Fife Ethylene plant flaring is 'frightening' for locals

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:14:00 +0100

A Fife councillor has called for an inquiry into incidents at a petrochemical plant near Cowdenbeath that led to hundreds of people being awoken in the middle of the night.

First Minister stands behind Fife Council's decision to privatise care homes

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:02:00 +0100

Alex Salmond has given his personal backing to Fife Council's controversial decision to privatise care home provision.

Missing Lochgelly soldier Mehmet Ali Osman may have been home

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 07:46:00 +0100

A serving British soldier who has gone missing may have returned to Fife earlier this month, police have revealed.