Fife Reporter

20/06/2025

£7M CANNABIS FARM FOUND IN KIRKCALDY'S NAIRN BUILDING

Another huge cannabis factory has been busted in Kirkcaldy.

This time the cultivation raided was in the former Nairn campus of Fife College.

Police recovered drugs with a street value estimated at around £7million following a search of the derelict former mill.

At 12.40pm on Wednesday, the raid was carried out and around 5000 plants were recovered.

Police say their inquiries are ongoing.

20/06/2025

JAILED FOR WORKING IN £6M CANNABIS FARM IN FIFE HIGH STREET

An illegal immigrant from Albania has been jailed after being caught working in a £6 million cannabis factory in Fife.

The cultivation in the former WH Smith shop in Kirkcaldy High Street was the highest value cannabis farm found in Scotland so far.

Petrit Gjuraj, 24, has been jailed for three years and three months at the High Court in Edinburgh.

He tried to escape by climbing on the roof when police raided the premises.

Prosecutor Alan Cameron KC said, “Police Scotland received intelligence that cannabis was being cultivated within the three storey, disused premises at 183-187 High Street, Kirkcaldy.

“Police cars arrived at the front and rear of the premises to search them. Police cars arrived at the front and rear of the premises.

“The accused and three other males were seen from the police helicopter exiting onto the roof of the building via a fire escape and running west along the roof of the adjacent building via a fire escape and running west along the roof the adjacent building.

“It became apparent to officers that the males had no means of escape. After the males made a few attempts to conceal themselves, they were observed to be engaging with the officers and a ladder was requested.

“The males descended the ladder in turn and were detained by the officers on the street.”

He added, "He is an Albanian national who has no legal entitlement to be in the UK. The usual national referral mechanism checks were made with the Home Office and it was determined he had not ben trafficked.”

The raid took place on 4th May, 2022 and officers discovered a cannabis cultivation worth up to £6.3 million.

The sophisticated set-up included a total of 1330 plants over three storeys of the building. Each area had irrigation, industrial heating and lighting units for the plants and there was living quarters for workers.

Detective Sergeant Kayleigh Lewis, Fife CID, said: “Uncovering a cultivation of this scale has a significant impact on the supply of cannabis onto Scotland’s streets.”

17/06/2025

FIFE FIRM WINS £182M CONTRACT WITH MoD

Burntisland-based Briggs Marine, a leading UK marine services provider, has secured a landmark £182 million, 8-year contract with the Ministry of Defence.

The deal will see them maintain and modernise critical maritime infrastructure, directly supporting naval operations and securing 80 highly skilled jobs.

The company will supply and maintain Authority Moorings, Markers and Targets and this is the largest defence contract it has been be awarded to date.

It forms part of the MoD’s ‘next generation of marine services’ programme.

The maintenance tasking requires a unique combination of marine and subsea skills, which Briggs is well equipped for.

The Company’s recently built ‘MV Forth Constructor’, is one of the vessels planned to be utilised in the delivery of the contract and has already proved itself to be a capable and efficient vessel for delivery of the programme.

Collieson Briggs, Managing Director at Briggs Marine added “This new contract will both safeguard existing jobs and create significant new opportunities throughout the UK. We look forward to delivering outstanding results whilst continuing to invest in the Company’s growth and capability.”

17/06/2025

CELEBRITY HAIRDRESSER RYAN'S JOURNEY TO SUCCESS BEGAN AT FIFE COLLEGE

Fife College is inducting Ryan Steedman into its Hall of Fame, in recognition of his exceptional achievements in the hairdressing industry.

Ryan, who studied at Fife College’s Kirkcaldy Campus, has emerged as one of London’s most sought-after hair stylists, showcasing his talent on national TV shows and prestigious red-carpet events.

Ryan’s journey began in Burntisland, where he moved to live with his aunt after the loss of his parents.

It was there that his grandmother recognised his early passion for hairdressing and encouraged him to pursue it as a career.

Her belief gave Ryan the confidence to take the first step, enrolling at college.

At Adam Smith College, Ryan completed NVQ Hairdressing Levels 2 and 3 between 2008 and 2011. His passion for hairdressing blossomed during his time at college, where he honed his skills and discovered his creative voice.

This foundation propelled him into a career highlighted by his work backstage at major events like Love Island and The Brit Awards where he has played a pivotal role in shaping iconic hair looks.

Ryan was also part of the ‘glam squad’ at the recent Eurovision Song Contest held in Switzerland, where he styled the hair of UK entry Remember Monday.

Throughout his career, Ryan has enjoyed the privilege of styling renowned celebrities, including Kate Moss, Little Mix, and Kendall Jenner, establishing himself as a trendsetter in the industry.

His ability to innovate and create stunning hairstyles has also made him a trusted name in the London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks.

Reflecting on his time at Fife College, Ryan said: “The thing I enjoyed most about being at college was learning as much as I could; new techniques, new skills, understanding the endless possibilities of hair and what I could do with it.

“College had a life-changing impact on me. I had found my tribe – meeting like-minded people with shared enthusiasm and a passion for hair. My creativity had found a home, and I found purpose.

“College not only provided the facilities, but mentors and teachers also. I saw for myself that the industry rewarded passion, hard work and dedication.”

Offering advice to current and future students, Ryan said, “As the leader of your own destiny, always be passionate, ask questions, soak everything in, keep your focus, work hard, and don’t forget to have fun along the way!”

17/06/2025

£730K CANNABIS FACTORY RAID: ALBANIAN ASKS POLICE "WAS IT A SNITCH?"

Two Albanians were caught in a cannabis factory in a Fife industrial estate with drugs worth over £700,000.

Altan Zvrina, 45 and Shefqet Zotaj, 25, appeared from custody at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court with a translator.

They both admitted that on 6th March at Crompton Road, Southfield Industrial Estate, Glenrothes, they were concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, cannabis.

When police raided the premises the pair were found hiding in ceiling space with one asking if a “snitch” had informed on them.

Depute fiscal Sarah Smith said police received intelligence and sought a search warrant which was executed at 9am.

Entry was forced to a unit and inside they found an office which had been converted into a living area with bedding, a fridge and food.

Two of the beds had been slept in recently and there were personal items lying around as well as a passport.

The pair were found hiding on top of a ceiling in the back of the property.

Zotaj (PICTURED being led from court) said, “I have been in the country for about six months. I tried to get a job in construction but it is difficult and not a lot of jobs. This is my first time doing this.”

Zvrina asked police how they had found out about them and said, “Was it a snitch?”

There were three growing areas over two floors of the building containing a total of 521 cannabis plants with an approximate weight of 64 kg.

The street value would range from £457,600 if sold as ounce deals to £732,300 if sub-divided further.

Sheriff Steven Borthwick called for reports and the two men will remain in custody until sentencing on 28th July.

14/06/2025

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said, “An inspection has identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by children at Cardenden Primary School Nursery in Lochgelly....

14/06/2025

IAN RANKIN CONTINUES TO BACK NEW FIFE WRITERS

Sir Ian Rankin, author of the famous Rebus series, visited Fife College this week to present scholarships to students and mark the 20th anniversary of his annual student scholarship.

To celebrate this special anniversary year, Fife College has revealed its first book, Winning Voices, to mark 20 years of the Ian Rankin Creative Writing Scholarship, which has supported 60 students over the two decades.

Winning Voices is a compelling collection of short stories, poems, and scripts written by past scholarship winners, all of whom were shortlisted and chosen by Ian to receive the annual award.

Each year, Fifer Ian has generously dedicated his time to reading and critiquing the entries, providing insightful feedback to the winners, and attending the annual award presentations in person.

The launch of the new book took place during a special event at the College’s Kirkcaldy Campus, where Ian also presented the latest Ian Rankin Creative Writing Scholarships to the 2025 winners: Elise Hunter, Tomas Stuart, and Mia Munro.

Each recipient received a £600 scholarship award, along with a signed copy of Midnight and Blue, Ian’s latest book, launched last October.

Ian was welcomed to the event by James Thomson, Deputy Principal, who invited Ian to cut a celebration cake to mark the occasion.

Ian said, “Meeting the student winners in person is a real highlight – it’s always inspiring to hear about their work, their influences and their ambitions. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many talented individuals, and I’m proud to have given them a helping hand via the scholarship.

“I thoroughly enjoy reading the entries every year, and I am always extremely impressed by the high quality of submissions. I am delighted to see this year the winning entries gathered together to create a book, Winning Voices, which I fully support. This new Fife College book will enable so many more people to enjoy the students’ work while supporting future students to achieve their goals.”

Cyber Security student Tomas Stuart, from Lochgelly, said, “This was my third time entering, and I’ve always wanted to get into writing, so I’m really proud to have got here.

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the email saying I’d won. I’ve been working on a novel for a couple of years now, and this is the first proper short story I’ve written.

“Winning the scholarship is a big step. When I start getting in touch with agents, I’ll be able to say I’ve won a competition – and that my work’s been published too.”

Lyn Gold, Scholarship and Alumni Engagement Lead at Fife College, said, “It has been a real privilege to see the Ian Rankin Creative Writing Scholarship grow and thrive over the past two decades.

“Winning Voices is more than just a book – it’s a powerful celebration of our students’ creativity and resilience, and a testament to Sir Ian’s long-standing commitment to nurturing new talent here at Fife College. We’re delighted that all proceeds from the book will go straight back into the scholarship programme, helping to inspire and support students for years to come."

10/06/2025

The latest cases from Fife's courts are on our website

A YOUNG man out celebrating his 21st birthday was subjected to a horrific attack with a metal bat which smashed his jaw. Dreadlocked thug Michael Gray apparently took offence to...

09/06/2025

BUSY SUMMER OF CRUISING FROM ROSYTH

There's a busy summer of Fred. Olsen cruises coming up with departures from Rosyth on the 1325-guest ship Balmoral.

The highlights include:

Balmoral’s 10-night ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 17th June.
Explore Arctic Norway in the summertime. Witness the Midnight Sun.

The 13-night 'Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic' cruise, departing from Rosyth, Edinburgh on 27th June.

Discover the enchanting cities of Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen
Immerse yourself in Estonian life at the Song & Dance Festival
Uncover the Hanseatic history of the Baltic region.

The 10-night ‘Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice’, departing from Rosyth on 10th July.

Discover Iceland’s extraordinary glaciers, geysers and waterfalls
Immerse yourself in Iceland’s wellness culture of hot spring bathing
Experience whale watching on a tour from Balmoral.

Balmoral’s 13-night ‘French Rivers with Normandy & Bordeaux’ cruise, departing Rosyth on 20th July.

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“Our summer 2025 sailings from Rosyth offer a hand-crafted mix of scenic cruising and enriching destinations. Guests can marvel at Norway’s majestic fjords, witness Iceland’s striking volcanic landscapes, and uncover the rich histories of the Baltic capitals.

"Balmoral’s smaller size also allows us to sail the serene River Seine – a rare opportunity to experience river cruising aboard an ocean-going ship.

"Each itinerary has been carefully designed to showcase the beauty of the world around us, while offering the warm, personal service we’re known for.”

06/06/2025

Find out what's been happening in court today on our website

TWO BROTHERS took the law into the own hands when the living room window of their parents’ home was smashed by vandals. They tracked down two youngsters – aged 12...

03/06/2025

JAIL FOR BANNED JOYRIDER WHO RAMMED INTO POLICE CAR

A 21-year-old man, who drove dangerously twice in a short period ramming into a police car and mounting a pavement, has been jailed.

Daryl Morrison, currently a prisoner at Perth, appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court for sentencing.

He admitted driving dangerously on two occasions when he was banned.

He rammed into a police car at a fuel station in Cowdenbeath and then two weeks later he mounted a pavement in Methil and drove away from police again.

He was disqualified from driving at the time of both offences.

Morrison admitted that on 23rd December on the A92 between Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath and at the Beath Service Station, High Street, Cowdenbeath and elsewhere, he drove a car dangerously, in excess of the speed limit, refused to comply with police instructions to exit the car and turn off the engine.

He then reversed at speed causing his car to collide with a police vehicle and strike a fuel pump.

He drove at speed around the fuel pumps, caused his car to strike a police vehicle and drove away at excessive speed.

Then on 6th January at Wellesley Road, Methil, he drove a car dangerously, mounted a pavement, drove at a police officer, causing him to take evasive action striking his hand against the car to his injury and drove away at excessive speed.

He also admitted he drove when disqualified on both dates.

Depute fiscal Sarah Smith said Morrison was banned from driving in March last year and was previously disqualified in 2021.

In the first incident, police pursued him on the A92 when he was driving at 90mph before turning off at Cowdenbeath.

Morrison drove into a service station and two police cars blocked off the exits. He struck a fuel pump as he forced his way out, hitting one of the police cars.

He then abandoned the car in Cowdenbeath.

In the incident where Morrison mounted the pavement in Methil, a child and elderly female were nearby at the time.

Defence solicitor Anna Campbell said her client has ADHD and other mental health issues. She added, “He used his driving as a coping mechanism and a form of escape. He has no explanation for his actions other than he simply panicked.”

Sheriff Krista Johnston jailed Morrison for 25 months backdated to 14th January when he was remanded in custody.

Morrison was also banned from driving for four-and-a-half years.

02/06/2025

FAMILY FEUD LED TO LARGE SCALE FIGHT IN FIFE STREET WITH METAL POLES, BAT AND BOTTLES

At least three people were badly injured by large-scale street fight in Fife, a court has heard.

Feuding between rival families in Methilhill exploded into violence with metal poles, glass bottles and a cricket bat with the

One man was knocked unconscious and suffered multiple fractures to his face.

His attacker, Miller Muir, has appeared in the dock at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

Muir, 20, of Simon Crescent, admitted that on 28th July 2023, he assaulted a man by kicking him to the body, causing him to fall to the ground and strike his head, rendering him unconscious.

Depute fiscal Jamie Hilland said, “From around 8.30pm there was a large scale disturbance in the street at Simon Crescent, Methilhill.

“Around 25 people were in the street at one point, many of whom were fighting.

The background is a dispute between different families living on the street.

Some of the other participants on both sides of the brawl are alleged to have been using weapons including glass bottles, a cricket bat and metal poles.

There have been other prosecutions arising out of this incident.

In addition to Muir’s victim, at least two other people were badly injured as a result of the disturbance, said the depute.

Muir had pulled the man away from another person and as he lost balance he was kicked to the chest, causing him to fall to ground and strike his head, knocking him unconscious.

As he lay on the ground the man was kicked on the back by others.

An ambulance arrived and the man was found to have sustained “gross swelling to the left eye and left jaw”.

“X-rays were carried out and he was found to have multiple facial fractures, including to the left orbital bones and to the jaw.”

Video taken by a local resident was played in court. It showed mayhem at the scene with groups running about, shouting and screaming.