News
A summer of stories.
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].
Making space for blue space.
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
October Update
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.
Coming Up Next Week ! Beach of Dreams – Walkers Arriving in Lower Largo!
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
End of Year Words
Hello everyone,
As another year winds down and the festive season sparkles around us, we wanted to take a moment to send out a HUGE, heart-felt thank you to each and every one of you!
Your support throughout this year has been absolutely amazing, and we truly couldn’t have done it without the many people who help and join in countless ways. It all matters!
We’ve had a fantastic year packed with activity, and it’s been so rewarding to see our community come together with lots of commitment and energy.
Our subgroups have been buzzing!
A special shout out to the Friends of Largo Bay – they’ve been working tirelessly to make our beautiful bay even better though biodiversity, art projects litter picks and more. If you want to stay in the loop on everything they’re up to, be sure to sign up for their direct emails at [email protected] and join their facebook group to keep up with their many inspiring projects if you are on there here.
You won’t want to miss a beat!
And our Resilience group? Wow! From raising dementia-friendly awareness alongside Alzheimers Scotland, The Paxton Centre and Peacehaven, to the Big Picnic and organising our regular Warm Welcomes in Upper Largo (with a team of amazing volunteers and the occasional community musician), they’ve been helping making a real difference and spreading cheer in the lives of so many and there is more to come !
Speaking of inspiring things, we have some dates for your diaries to be announced in January: we will be gathering more memories of Kirkton of Largo in February at our Upper Largo Warm Welcome for a start, with a new history/heritage group that is unfolding – we also have the seeds of a youth filmmaking project and our regular big picnic to announce.
And we are always looking for helping hands to make it all happen. If you’re keen to get involved and see something amazing unfold before your eyes, we’d love to have you join our volunteer team!
We need help with everything from assisting with our upcoming beach wheelchairs to supporting our resilience and emergency volunteer initiatives, and so much more. If you’re interested, you can sign up to be a volunteer right here.
We’re so excited about what the new year will bring, and we’ll be sharing more news soon. In the meantime, we hope you all have a wonderful, restful, and joy-filled holiday season.
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We also wish the Aurrie much joy as they open their doors for Christmas Day!
They’ll offer food, drinks, company and even music – the perfect way to break up a long day, celebrate and spend the day with new friends.
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And for a bit of pre-Christmas cheer, don’t forget about the Simpson Institutes (Upper Largo’s Village Hall)
Festive Family Film showing tomorrow on Sunday, 22nd December at 2pm!
Can you guess what it may be?
It’s a film everyone loves and it’s free, with donations welcome at the door – pay what you can.
It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit with the whole family!
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We’re always happy to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch! [email protected]
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A Dementia Friendly Community
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Hello All,
Firstly a reminder that our Dementia Friendly Training and awareness sessions will end at the Durham Hall from 6:30pm-7:30pm on Thursday the 31st of October !
Come along and find out more whether it affects someone in your family, you run a group or you’re just interested in what you can do.
Thanks to everyone who has joined so far it is creating a really positive momentum.
You can also learn more about becoming a Dementia Friend at https://www.dementiafriendsscotland.org
Just reply if you want to get in touch about this and find out more.
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Friends of Largo Bay Events
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Join A Friendly Social Tomorrow Evening
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Join the group to learn more about what they have been up to lately, including their incredible hands on biodiversity projects and art projects, and just share a drink…
All details on the poster above.
Everyone is welcome. See you there 😉
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Beach Clean – Help Us Clean Up Next Weekend
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Green Products – Happy Planet – The Science Of Cleaning
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We are excited to invite you to an inspiring event that The Friends of Largo Bay have helped to develop with the Largo Library and Community Hub’s fantastic and long-running Science Saturdays. This event is centered around the themes of clean waters, happy people, and sustainable living and it is also fab hands on fun.
Whip Up Your Own Green Goodies at Science Saturday! Adult and Children sessions full details on the link below about how to join 🙂
Join for engaging workshops where you’ll learn the secrets to keeping our rivers, seas, and homes sparkling clean with eco-friendly techniques and easy do it yourself products.
Discover easy swaps that promote a healthier home and planet!
Event Details:
- Date: November 2nd
- Times:
- Kids: 1 PM – 2 PM (Free, must be accompanied by an adult)
- Adults: 2:30 PM – 4 PM £2 ticket
- Location: Largo Library and Community Hub, 7 Lundin Square, KY8 6BH
All materials will be provided, so you can dive right in and start making a difference!
Let’s team up and be the change-makers for our environment while enjoying some savings and a sparkling home 🙂 🌍✨
To Book Your Spot: www.ticketsource.co.uk/largo-library-community-hub.
Booking essential
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Also Don’t Forget to RSVP to this Event coming up very shortly!
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If you want to learn more about the Pier Group’s work on this project and the challenges that has brought us to a crossroads, let us know as soon as possible. A huge thanks to everyone who has already replied your presence is noted.
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We are busy planning our Warm Welcome return too so keep an eye out.
As usual, there are so many fantastic things happening across the community and unfortunately couldn’t share them all here now but do keep an eye out and we look forward to sharing more soon and keep us in touch with anything you would like us to communicate.
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Dementia Friends Continue
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Dementia Friends Continue
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Hello All,
Firstly a reminder that our Dementia Friendly Training and awareness sessions will continue at the Simpson Institute from 2pm-3pm on Thursday the 17th of October – that’s this week ! Come along and find out more whether it affects someone in your family, you run a group or you’re just interested in what you can do.
You can also learn more about becoming a Dementia Friend at https://www.dementiafriendsscotland.org
Please do come along to find out more about supporting those in the community, if not Thursday then keep an eye out for the final date..
Just reply if you want to get in touch.
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Friends of Largo Bay Events
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Join A Friendly Social Tomorrow – Wednesday
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Join the group to learn more about what they have been up to lately, including their incredible hands on biodiversity projects and artistic goals, and just share a drink…
Everyone is welcome. Sea you there 😉
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Beach Clean – Help Us Clean Up
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Green Products – Happy Planet – The Science Of Cleaning
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We are excited to invite you to an inspiring event that The Friends of Largo Bay have helped to develop with the Largo Library and Community Hub’s fantastic and long-running Science Saturdays. This event is centered around the themes of clean waters, happy people, and sustainable living and it is also fab hands on fun.
Whip Up Your Own Green Goodies at Science Saturday! Adult and Children
Join us for engaging workshops where you’ll learn the secrets to keeping our rivers, seas, and homes sparkling clean with eco-friendly techniques and easy do it yourself products.
Discover easy swaps that promote a healthier home and planet!
Event Details:
- Date: November 2nd
- Times:
- Kids: 1 PM – 2 PM (Free, must be accompanied by an adult)
- Adults: 2:30 PM – 4 PM £2 ticket
- Location: Largo Library and Community Hub, 7 Lundin Square, KY8 6BH
All materials will be provided, so you can dive right in and start making a difference!
Let’s team up and be the change-makers for our environment while enjoying some savings and a sparkling home 🙂 🌍✨
To Book Your Spot: www.ticketsource.co.uk/largo-library-community-hub.
They look forward to seeing you there! Don’t forget to book !
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Also Don’t Forget to RSVP to this Event
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If you want to learn more about the Pier Group’s work on this project and its challenges that has brought us to a crossroads, let us know as soon as possible.
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As usual, there are so many fantastic things happening across the community and unfortunately couldn’t share them all here now but do keep an eye out and we look forward to sharing more soon and keep us in touch with anything you would like us to communicate.
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Pier Information Evening
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Our Pier – An Important Conversation
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We have reached a crossroads in the Pier Restoration Project
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Dear Valued Supporter and Community Member,
As a valued community member, a community who has generously supported the Pier Restoration Project, we want to begin by saying thank you.
Your contributions have been vital in getting us to this point, and we sincerely appreciate your commitment to breathing new life into our cherished pier which has been severely impacted by storm damage in recent years.
The Pier Project is at a crossroads, and we need to share this information with you.
This evening is about openly and honestly discussing challenges, the work undertaken by the Pier group and what has led us all to this point.
Our Pier: We Have Reached a Crossroads
- Date: Tuesday 29th of October
- Time: 7pm-8:30pm
- Location: Durham Hall, Lower Largo
What to Expect:
- A look back at the Pier Group’s progress, celebrating the wins, the work that left no stone unturned and acknowledging the hurdles they have had to overcome.
- A candid discussion about the current funding climate and how it impacts our ability to complete the project as envisioned.
- Most importantly, we want an open dialogue where your voice will be heard.
Please RSVP to [email protected] or reply to this email by 21st of October so we can finalise arrangements.
We invite you to join us and bring your questions, and we look forward to the chance to share the story in this open forum.
Sincerely,
On Behalf of The Pier Project Team
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History Group Forming
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We’re thrilled to announce the formation of a small history group that is currently interested in collecting memories of Kirkton of Largo School for an initial project.
If you have stories or recollections you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, just reply.
They are also interested developing other exciting research projects and are open to members, ideas and input so let us know if you’d like to be involved in any way.
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We’re also in the process of creating a central “Volunteers Wanted” page for all local groups. If you have a role you need to fill, please send us all the details and we’ll do our best to help spread the word.
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| List A Volunteer Role |
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Dementia Friendly Community
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Finally, we’re eagerly counting down the days to the start of our Dementia Friendly Community Programme.
You’ll find all the details below, please spread the word, the more people who can learn how to make things better for those affected the stronger the support will be !
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Largo Library and Community Hub
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Warm up this autumn and support a great cause!
Join Largo Library and Community Hub for a Bottomless Tea & Cake fundraiser at Largo Library and Community Hub on Friday, October 18th, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Indulge in delicious treats while helping them raise funds for much-needed double glazing at the library. Entry is just £5. See you there
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Duck Race, St Davids
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Just a quick heads up for today, apologies if it is too late notice for you to attend any of the following:
Everyone is invited to a special service at Largo St David’s Church on Sunday, September 1st, at 3 p.m.
The Very Rev Russell Barr of Largo Parish will lead the service, titled “Celebrating the past, looking forward to the future. ”
It will include input from past and present congregation members and the wider Largo area community.
There will be music from Open Sea & Friends.
Refreshments will be served after the service.
All are welcome!
For more information, please visit www.theaurriemor.com or email [email protected]
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The Horticultural Show Is Halfway Through
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The Largo & Newburn Horticultural Society Annual Flower Show is in full swing at the Simpson Institute! All the exhibits are in and looking fantastic.
See the colourful displays, craft items & produce between 2 pm and 5 pm today.
They can’t wait to share this fantastic event with you!
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Get ready for some quacking good fun!
The Largo Boat Club is hosting its first-ever Duck Race today at 2 pm. Ducks will be released from Lundin Mill Foot Bridge, racing their way to Harbour Bridge.
Prizes await the top three finishers! Come on down and cheer on your feathered friend!
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Please drop us a line if you want us to share anything in the future!
Have a great Sunday wherever you go…
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