Creating Connections:
a weekend for the words we are losing 2nd and 3rd October 2026. Free. Booking now open.
Published 26 August 2026
This week Largo has shown up in numbers that matter. Three events. Over 530 people through the doors. A community paying attention to its own story.
The flotilla sailed into Largo Bay on Sunday 23 August to a massive turnout. If you were there, you saw it. If you missed it, the footage is worth watching. The Reaper, a historic herring drifter from the Scottish Fisheries Museum, came in under sail with a flotilla of boats. It was a rare sight with sparkly seas and lots of happy people on the shore.
Thank you to Hamish Redpath for the fantastic drone video
Watch footage of the Reaper arriving
The book launch on 22 August brought Ronnie Graham and over 80 people to The Aurrie Mor to hear the real story of Alexander Selkirk. Ronnie’s research cuts through three centuries of myth and legend. Robinson Crusoe became so famous that the real man behind the story got lost. Working from the available evidence, Ronnie brings Selkirk to life and asks the questions that matter: who was he really? Hero, anti-hero, or skellum? Three hundred and fifty years after his birth in Lower Largo, we sat together and learned some of what actually happened.
There are still copies of the book available at the Aurrie Mor during exhibition week or directly from the publisher.
The Largo Heritage Group has counted over 530 visitors through the doors at the Aurrie Mor so far. Artifacts, maps, pictures and the real history on show. The exhibition runs until Saturday 29 August, open every day from 10am to 4pm.
Was one of them you? We would love to know what you thought and whether it has changed your opinion on Alexander Selkirk. Send your feedback and ideas to [email protected].
If you haven’t been, there’s still time.
Ukrainian Amateur Theatre presents Robinson Crusoe
A bold new interpretation told through modern rhythms, vivid costume and dynamic performance. Three hundred and fifty years after Alexander Selkirk was born just in Lower Largo, the castaway story comes home in an unexpected voice. Staged by a company whose members know something about being far from home, it gives the familiar story another layer of meaning.
This is a one-off performance. It will be in English. It’s worth your time and your support will be greatly appreciated.
Tickets are available through TicketSource with a range of optional donation levels, so you can choose what works for your circumstances. Every level gets you the same seat and the same welcome and no one will know what you paid. The suggested donations go towards bringing this production to Largo and supporting the theatre company. Numbers matter for them, so if you’re thinking about it, get yours now rather than waiting.
Book your tickets to Robinson here.
A huge thank you to those who have booked so far.
Sandcastle Competition
A community competition for all ages. Bring buckets, spades and imagination. We can’t promise the weather will be conducive, but we can definitely hope.
Big Forth Cleanup
Friends of Largo Bay are hosting a beach clean at Ruddon’s Point as part of the Big Forth Cleanup weekend. Help protect the Firth of Forth’s marine ecosystems and keep our local coastline clean. This is Scotland’s biggest ever weekend beach clean, aiming to clean nearly 130 kilometres of coastline across the Firth of Forth in three days.
Where to meet: The path leading to the beach at Ruddon’s Point car park. Access via Elie Holiday Park. Look for volunteers in hi-vis vests and feather flags.
What to bring: Gloves (if you have them), water to drink, dress for the weather.
Who’s welcome: Families and dogs welcome.
Before you come: Please review the safety guidelines at www.balancedhorizon.org/big-forth-cleanup/safety-and-participation-guidelines/
Questions: Contact Balanced Horizon at [email protected] or [email protected]
The Selkirk Sixes. Four clubs, one champion.
Largo Heritage Society is hosting a six-a-side cricket tournament where four local sports clubs play for the chance to become champion. Lundin Golf Club, Lundin Sports Club, Badminton Club, and Largo Bay Sailing Club will go head-to-head.
Six players per team. Five overs per innings. A four counts as six runs. A six counts as ten runs. Six round-robin matches followed by a final that will settle it.
This is the kind of afternoon that makes for good stories afterwards. Bring a chair, bring friends, bring your appetite.
BBQ on site (cash only). BYOB. Parking at the church stables. Whether you know cricket or not, it’s worth coming along to see four local clubs competing for bragging rights on their home turf and it’s the perfect way to round off what is an eventful week.
Largo & Newburn Horticultural Society 150th Anniversary Annual Flower Show
2pm to 4pm Saturday. 2pm to 5pm Sunday.
This is 150 years of the society’s work on show. Exhibits of Flowers, Vegetables, Home Produce, and Arts & Crafts. Tea, coffee and home baking available both days. Tombola and Raffle.
Categories: Produce (home baking, preserves), Handicrafts (knitting, cards, photographs, pencil drawing, cushion covers, and more), Fruit, Vegetables, and Flowers. Special sections for first time entrants.
Entry forms: Download the Schedule first to find your category, then download the entry form and follow the steps.
Admission: £2. Refreshments £3. Cash only.
If you just want to come for a cup of tea and a chat, entry is the same price and you’re welcome.
Wednesday 26 August – Selkirk Island Discs
The Aurrie Mor, 7pm for 7:30pm. SOLD OUT just a reminder to come along if you have a ticket. Local personalities sharing stories and music, Desert Island Discs style, talking about what they’d take if cast away. Cash bar available.
Thursday 27 August – Railway Inn Quiz
The Railway Inn. 9pm. The regular quiz gets a Selkirk 350 twist with a special round devoted to Alexander Selkirk.
Friday 28 August – Storytelling with Elizabeth Black
The Library, Lundin Links, 10:30am. Free, just turn up. Perfect if you’ve got little ones. Elizabeth brings stories to life and there’s no booking needed.
We really encourage you to support the work of the Largo Heritage Group by coming along to these events and please do share them. This is a rare chance to celebrate Largo’s most famous son and bring the castaway story home.
If you want to be involved in the Heritage Group going forward, we would love to have you. Please email [email protected].
The full range of events are listed on largoct.org.uk/events. The Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther will also host a special Alexander Selkirk anniversary exhibition from December 2026.
As always, this is just a taste of what’s happening across the villages. For the full picture, visit largoct.org.uk/events, and if you have something you’d like us to share, we’d love to hear from you. Just get in touch.
A Summer of Stories: Largo’s Big Picnic and the Alexander Selkirk Celebrations
On Sunday 21 June, Lundin Links Common came alive for the 7th annual Big Picnic and Parade. Under the theme of Shipwrecked, the day brought together families, neighbours, volunteers and community groups from across the area, and by all accounts it just keeps growing. There were stalls of every kind, Ukrainian community food, live music from OpenSea, activities from bowling to biscuit making, and the Leven and District
Pipe Band led a colourful parade through the Common. Pepsi the horse was there too, and plenty of Father’s Day fun. The biggest thank you goes to everyone who set up a stall, ran an activity, donated tombola prizes, dressed up or simply turned up with a blanket and a smile. You’re the ones who make this day what it is. A particular thank you to Largo Area Community Council and every group and volunteer who pitched in, and to the weather gods for finally coming through.
The Shipwrecked theme wasn’t just for fun. It connects directly to another adventure unfolding this summer: the 350th anniversary celebrations of Alexander Selkirk, the Lower Largo man said to have inspired Robinson Crusoe and the first novel in the English language. Our new heritage group has taken on an ambitious project to mark the occasion, working with many dedicated volunteers to bring it to life. Exhibition Week runs from 22 to 29 August at the Aurrie Mor, with lots of interactive activities and an exhibition exploring Selkirk’s charismatic and enigmatic story. It’s a real achievement for a group that formed to take this on, and a testament to what’s possible when a community decides something matters.
What’s On During Exhibition Week
From 22 to 29 August, there’s something for everyone. Start with the Castaway Film Night at Largo Library and Community Hub (21 August), then join the Book Launch for “Alexander Selkirk: Fiction’s First Celebrity” on the opening day. A Treasure Hunt runs all week for all ages, while evening activities include Selkirk Island Discs, a Railway Inn Quiz, and Storytelling at the Library. On 29 August, the Ukrainian Amateur Theatre brings Robinson Crusoe to life, and there’s a Sandcastle Competition on the beach. The festivities wrap up with Cricket and a BBQ on 30 August. If you fancy a creative challenge, enter the Writing Competition (closing date end of July). Later in the autumn, evening lectures are planned (dates to be confirmed), and the Selkirk Anniversary Exhibition will go on tour at The Scottish Fisheries Museum from December. For more details, email [email protected].
Largo Blue Space Festival Celebrates Community Conservation
On 6 and 7 June, Friends of Largo Bay brought the community together for the Largo Blue Space Festival, marking World Environment Day and World Oceans Day. The two-day event at the Aurrie Mor showcased the breadth of conservation work happening in and around Largo Bay and the Firth of Forth, with 15 exhibitors including community groups, environmental organisations and research bodies.
The festival combined learning, creativity and fun. Visitors could join a sea shanty workshop, try their hand at felting a starfish, and discover new games exploring coastal conservation. Three films were screened across the weekend: Libby Penman’s “Shooting Animals,” Cal Major’s “A Line in the Sound” (with a Q&A from Sean Flynn of Blue Marine Foundation), and The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s “Oceans of Value.” Sunday morning saw a well-attended Otter Ecology Walk led by Lutra Grampia, meeting at Elie Holiday Park car park and heading out to Ruddon’s Point.
A highlight was the debut outing of the Community Triptych as a work-in-progress, which was warmly received by visitors. The festival also supported research by two PhD students from SRUC. Beyond the activities, there was significant networking and idea-sharing among exhibitors and visitors, all learning more about the amazing work local groups do to conserve and preserve Largo Bay in ways that are fun, educational and sociable. The Coastal Testimonies Exhibition continued to run at The Aurrie Mor throughout June.
This breadth reflects the strength of collaborative work across the Firth of Forth coastline, with everyone from citizen scientists to PhD researchers working toward the same goal of protecting and understanding our marine environment.
Happy Felting
We wanted to share a short update from Largo Communities Together as we are well into this year’s Warm Welcome programme and to say a genuine thank you.
Week after week, people show up, sometimes weekly, sometimes every few weeks, but together they form a steady, reliable community. Volunteers come from Upper Largo and from further afield, giving their time generously. The chat often drifts from what’s happening locally to memories, shared history of place, ideas, and lived experience.
If you’ve not been yet, come along! They run until March 24th every Tuesday 11-1pm at The Simpson Institute, Upper Largo. There’s also a longstanding coffee morning at the Simpson Institute on a Thursday morning with some amazing homebaking!
Here are a few other things coming up and worth sharing:
Largo & Upper Largo Horticultural Society
On behalf of the Horticultural Society, we’d like to pass on that they’re looking for more help as they prepare for another year of activity around the plant sale in May and the Flower Show at the end of summer. This is a group with around 150 years of history, now looking towards a new era. If you fancy getting involved and supporting this much-loved group, please get in touch with Colin Orr at: [email protected]
Greenways Group
Formerly Assets and Access, the newly renamed Greenways Group is focusing specifically on pathways and routeways, linking in with Active Travel strategies in the pipeline and thinking about access for all users. The group has also been out mapping routes and exploring opportunities.
If you have ideas, concerns, or local knowledge about paths or connections, please email [email protected] and share away! We’re also hoping to hold a public meeting later this year to look at our current networks and options together.
Kirkton of Largo Primary School Consultation
Sharing on behalf of Fife Council: there is an ongoing consultation on the proposed closure of Kirkton of Largo Primary School.
There are several ways to take part, including a public meeting next week on Monday 9 February, 6-7pm at Durham Hall, Lower Largo, and drop-in sessions at Lundin Mill Primary School.
You can also share your ideas here: https://haveyoursay.fife.gov.uk/education/closer-of-kirkton-of-largo-primary-school/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPwS3FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiQmV0aVJFOUtjcXJoTjUxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjhyJkhekpHkgsRwsRZIjLFVTntChpikputmd32R7C8mKsrStLNP5GEuYf0m_aem_fIlr3vOWE-t7f0YqCIWn5g
All feedback must be submitted by Tuesday 10 March 2026.
Heritage: Selkirk, Crusoe, and the year ahead
Our Heritage group has been busy planning for a programme of events around Alexander Selkirk and the Crusoe story, including an exhibition planned for August and a series of pop-up events across the year. More on that soon.
There’s also our ongoing twinning with Juan Fernández Island in Chile, where Selkirk lived. It’s a living connection that continues to open interesting conversations.
This year marks 350 years since Selkirk’s birth, a figure who remains fascinating and controversial.
We’re keen to hear from community groups or individuals who’d like to get involved, whether through Largo Heritage or by running their own Selkirk or Crusoe-themed activity.
Email Gail Green at [email protected] to find out more.
Save the date: The Big Picnic, 21 June
This year’s Big Picnic will take place on Sunday 21 June. If you’re part of a community group, or have an idea for something that could happen that day, we’ll be holding an open meeting in the coming weeks. For now, please keep the date free if you can.
Resilience and wellbeing
The Resilience Group continues its steady work on local emergency responses, including developing plans for walkie-talkie use. We’re also looking at restarting dementia-friendly training for local businesses and groups. If either of these areas interest you, do get in touch.
Finally, the Changing Places toilet at the Temple is looking fantastic. We’ll share more about involvement around this in due course.
There’s a lot happening this year, some of it visible, some of it quieter, but all of it rooted in people showing up, sharing responsibility, and caring about the place they live!
If you’d like to know more about any of the above, or if you have ideas of your own, or just want to say hello please contact us.
And do visit our events page for more detail on what’s coming up: https://www.largoct.org.uk/events/ (there’s a lot more than I can mention here!)
Email [email protected] to add any listings.
We’re delighted to invite you to our final Warm Welcome Day of the year on Tuesday 23rd December at Upper Largo. Next week’s gathering will be extra special as we celebrate the season together with music, warmth, and good company.
We’re thrilled that Sheila, one of our wonderful regulars, will be sharing some seasonal music with us, along with other talented friends. It promises to be a joyful morning and afternoon of song, soup, and celebration. Come along between 11-1pm
The Warm Welcome Days have become such a cherished part of our community rhythm, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who has made them possible throughout the year. Whether you’ve been a regular face, helped with preparations, brought along a friend, or simply shared in the warmth of being together, thank you.
These sessions continue to be multi-generational, low-pressure spaces where connection happens naturally over good soup and genuine conversation.
As we’ve shared before, there’s no charge for attending, and donations are welcome but never required. The heart of these gatherings is simply being together.
After the 23rd, the Warm Welcome days take a short break and resume on Tuesday 6th January. We hope you can join us for this seasonal celebration, and we wish you all a peaceful and joyful festive season.
A Few More Dates for Your Calendar:
The church community is also hosting some beautiful services this season,
Sunday 21st December – 4th Sunday of Advent in the Church at 10.30am
Lessons and Carols with Largo Church Choir, followed by seasonal refreshments in the Stables
Wednesday 24th December – Christmas Eve in the Church11.15pm Carol Singing 11.30pm Watchnight Service
Thursday 25th December – Christmas Day Family Worship Service in the Church at 10.30am (Children are invited to bring along and show one of their toy gifts from ‘Santa’)
Sunday 28th December – Morning Worship in the Durham Hall at 10.30amWith music by the Largo Sound Music Group, followed by refreshments
All are welcome to these Advent and Christmas Season services.
And as a reminder, Lily’s Larder will be open on Christmas Day from 11:00 to 14:00 for anyone who wants or needs company. There’s no charge, but if you plan to attend, please get in touch with them at [email protected] so they can organise numbers.
Fife Council are still gathering your views regarding the future of Kirkton of Largo, here is the link to share your views.
Engagement Session to Discuss the Future of Kirkton of Largo Primary School
We will be going a bit quieter for a few weeks and hope you have a good restful break. We will have some very exciting things coming up in 2026 and don’t hesitate to get in touch and remember to keep abreast of local things to do here:
Events – Largo Communities Together Largo Communities Together
Wishing you warmth, joy, and good company this festive season.
Largo Communities Together has just been made aware of an important engagement session regarding the future of Kirkton of Largo Primary School building, and we want to ensure everyone in our community has the opportunity to participate.
What’s Happening: Fife Council’s Education Directorate is holding an engagement session to discuss the future of Kirkton of Largo Primary School, which has been mothballed since January 2025. This is an opportunity for the community to hear updates on the school’s status and share views on what should happen with the building.
Session Details:
Date: Tuesday 16th December 2025
Time: 5-6pm
Location: Durham Hall, Lower Largo
Who Can Attend: We have confirmed with the Council that this session is open to anyone in the community who is interested – not just parents and carers. Given the significant community interest in this building and its future we want to encourage feedback, everyone is welcome to attend and contribute to the discussion.
Can’t Attend? An online feedback form is available for those who cannot make the session: https://forms.office.com/e/s4cDPDS6uW
Apologies for Short Notice: We apologise for the short notice – we have only just been made aware of this session ourselves and wanted to get the information out to the community as quickly as possible.
Background: Kirkton of Largo Primary School has had no pupils since June 2023. Pupils from the catchment area have been offered places at Lundin Mill Primary School or other primary schools through placing requests. The Council needs to consider the building’s future for the 2025/26 academic session.
This is your chance to have your say on what happens to this community building we know its been important to so many. We encourage as many people as possible to attend or submit feedback online.
Warm Welcome Days in Upper Largo
These sessions will continue every week up to the 23rd of December, and will resume on Tuesday the 6th of January (we will take a break on the 30th of December).
With only a couple more sessions before the Christmas break, we’d love to see you there. Everyone is welcome, including new faces. Donations are welcome but never required; the aim is connection and getting together.
We also encourage you to keep an eye on our What’s On Page to check out any upcoming things that are going on Events – Largo Communities Together Largo Communities Together.
As always get in touch with any questions comments or anything else [email protected]
Largo Communities Together – Autumn Update
Activity is ramping up across the Largo area, with community events, volunteering opportunities, and the return of our Warm Welcome Days.
New: Community Events Page
We’ve launched a simple Events page on the LCT website to showcase what’s on locally. Residents, groups and organisations can submit listings for coffee mornings, talks, concerts and community gatherings. To add your event, email details (title, date/time, location, short description, booking info if relevant) to [email protected]
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What’s coming up
Warm Welcome Days – returning for the colder months with friendly spaces to chat, read, craft and have a cuppa. Dates and venues will be posted on the Events page.
Beach cleans & family activities – regular sessions supporting our coastline and wildlife. Keep an eye on the Events page for the next dates.
Simpson Institute, Lower Largo
Inverkeithing Community Big Band Night – Saturday 8 November 2025
Quiz & Curry Night – Saturday 6 December 2025
Full details and tickets via the Events Page
Get involved
Volunteer – Help with events, heritage, environment and access projects. Light-touch roles and one-off opportunities available. Drop us a line if you’re interested.
Share your event – Send listings to [email protected]
so we can include them online and in the next newsletter.
How you can take part
Community life in Largo thrives when people get involved — whether that’s lending a hand at an event, helping with a beach clean, or sharing an idea for something new. You don’t need to make a big commitment; small contributions of time and energy go a long way.
If you’d like to volunteer, or if your group has an event to promote, get in touch via [email protected]
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Looking ahead
The coming months will see more work developing around the Local Place Plan, local heritage projects, and ideas for community wellbeing. The momentum continues to build, and together we’re shaping a more connected, active and resilient Largo area — one event, one project, and one conversation at a time.
If you want to see quite a spectacle on Wednesday 21st May to welcome the Beach of Dreams guided walk as it passes through Lower Largo at around 10:30am.
They will be carrying their Kinetika Silk Pennants and it’s sure to be a stunning sight!
Meet at Temple Car Park from 10:15am to make sure you wave them on ( you can also join the procession, booking advised – link below)
They will be walking among others Pennant 649, designed by Friends of Largo Bay and created by local artist Sue Milne, as part of this nationwide celebration of coastlines, creativity, and community.
You’re also welcome to join the full 10-mile guided walk from Leven to Elie – please book in advance here:
👉 Leven to Elie Walk Info & Booking
🖼 Then on Thursday 22nd May at 4pm, see the stunning silk installation in Anstruther, arranged by the Anstruther Improvements Association featuring over 800 pennants including the Friends of Largo Bay Pennant!
📍 Castle Street Beach, Anstruther
More info: www.beachofdreams.org
Other Beach of Dreams Events
Fife Coast & Countryside Trust in Partnership with Beach of Dreams are also running lots of other events this month including cycles more walks and a ceilidh to culminate !
There are some fantastic chances to explore the stunning coastline, connect with nature, and be part of a creative journey happening across the UK.
🖊️ Sign up here: fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/events
For more info on the Beach of Dreams project including artist Julie Brooks Fife Installation Tideline which is in construction here: beachofdreams.org or search Beach Of Dreams on Facebook
Last week, our Biodiversity Monitoring Volunteers had a fantastic couple of days exploring the shoreline and deepening their understanding of local coastal ecology.
On Friday, they were joined by Charlotte Keeley from the Berwickshire Marine Reserve for a day-long training workshop based in Largo Bay. The session included practical, hands-on learning to help us identify and monitor biodiversity on the shore. The group learned to record species accurately, contribute to real data collection, and gained insight into other successful citizen science projects along the coast.
🌊 Huge thanks to Charlotte for an excellent and inspiring session!
The following day, some of the team were back out on the beach, this time working with the Edinburgh Shoreline Project and Rui on a new initiative to establish long-term data collection to monitor temperature changes and climate impacts on coastal biodiversity.
This exciting project will allow us to track how our local environment changes over time – and contribute to a growing national picture of climate effects.
Do you fancy getting more involved with our citizen science projects ?
We would love to have you just get in touch.
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