Kingdom of Fife CAMRA Branch recently enjoyed a day of celebration as members presented awards to two outstanding local businesses, recognising excellence in both the pub and brewing sectors.

The day began at The Albert Tavern in Freuchie, which was recently named Scotland CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year 2026. Local MSP Willie Rennie joined CAMRA members, customers and the pub team to celebrate the award and the Scottish Parliament Early Day Motion recognising the pub's achievement.

The award reflects the dedication and hard work of the licensees and staff, who have established The Albert Tavern as one of Scotland's leading destinations for cider enthusiasts. The presentation also provided an opportunity to discuss the contribution community pubs make to local economies, tourism, social connection and wellbeing.

Following the presentation in Freuchie, branch members travelled to Howe Beer Project in Balmalcom to present the branch's Rising Star Award.

The award recognises the impressive impact Howe Beer Project has made since opening its brewery and taproom. In a short space of time, the business has become a positive force within the local beer scene, building a strong reputation not only for its own beers but also for supporting and showcasing the products of other local breweries.

While Howe Beer Project is not currently producing cask ale, branch members felt its contribution to the wider beer community embodied the spirit of what CAMRA seeks to encourage and celebrate. The brewery's commitment to collaboration, supporting local producers and helping develop the Fife beer scene made it a worthy recipient of the award.

The presentation was attended by local MP Wendy Chamberlain, who met CAMRA members and brewery representatives and learned more about the opportunities and challenges facing independent breweries and community pubs.

Both presentations also provided an opportunity to discuss CAMRA's campaigning priorities, including support for community pubs, independent breweries and cider producers. Conversations highlighted CAMRA's Pubs and Wellbeing campaign, which promotes the positive role pubs can play in reducing loneliness, strengthening communities and supporting social wellbeing.

Kingdom of Fife Branch Chair Sarah Crawford said:

"It was a pleasure to celebrate two very different but equally deserving businesses on the same day. The Albert Tavern and Howe Beer Project both demonstrate the innovation, quality and community spirit that make Fife's beer and cider scene so special.

We are grateful to Willie Rennie MSP and Wendy Chamberlain MP for taking the time to join us and for their interest in the issues facing pubs and breweries. Their support helps raise awareness of the important contribution these businesses make to communities across Fife."

The branch looks forward to continuing its work to champion Fife's pubs, clubs, breweries and cider producers, while recognising the people and businesses that help make the local beer and cider scene such a success.

On Saturday 23 May, following the Branch AGM, members of Campaign for Real Ale Fife Branch gathered at Hillend Tavern to present the branch’s Pub of the Year award.

The award recognises consistently high standards in beer quality, cellar management, customer experience and community focus — and the Hillend Tavern impressed across the board. Members praised the pub for its excellent real ale, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and strong place at the heart of the local community.

The presentation followed a successful AGM attended by branch members from across Fife, making it a fitting way to round off the evening and celebrate one of the area’s standout pubs.

Congratulations once again to everyone at Hillend Tavern on a thoroughly deserved award from Fife CAMRA.

The Fife Coast by Rail social on Saturday 21st March brought together CAMRA members from the Kingdom of Fife and Edinburgh branches for a day that blended coastal scenery, convivial company, and some of the region’s finest real ale. What unfolded was a relaxed, good‑humoured ramble by train—proof that the simplest ideas often make the most memorable events.

A Strong Start in Kirkcaldy The day began in Kirkcaldy at Betty Nicols, where early arrivals settled into the warm, wood‑panelled bar for the first pint of the afternoon. The atmosphere was immediately friendly, with members from both branches mingling easily and comparing notes on favourite Fife pubs. An hour later, the group moved on to the Robert Nairn, a bustling Wetherspoons venue. While dogs couldn’t join this particular stop, the human contingent more than filled the space, enjoying a wide selection of well‑kept ales before heading for the first train of the day.

Kinghorn: Coastal Charm and Community Spirit Kinghorn offered a perfect midpoint, beginning at the Auld Hoose, where the welcome was as warm as the beer was well kept. By the time the group reached the Crown Tavern, the sun had broken through the clouds, giving the coastal town a postcard glow. Conversations spilled between tables, and the sense of shared purpose—celebrating good pubs and good beer—was unmistakable.

Aberdour: A Highlight of the Trail Aberdour proved to be one of the standout stops. The Aberdour Hotel offered a relaxed setting for mid‑afternoon pints, while the Foresters Arms delivered a lively atmosphere and a great selection of Scottish ales. For many attendees, this pairing of venues captured the spirit of the day: welcoming pubs, excellent beer, and the joy of discovering (or rediscovering) gems along the Fife coast.

Final Stop: Dalgety Bay The day concluded at the Hillend Tavern, where the group gathered for a final round before dispersing onto various trains homeward. Despite the long itinerary, spirits remained high, and the closing stop felt like a fitting finale—unpretentious, friendly, and rooted in its community.

A Day That Showcased the Best of CAMRA Across seven pubs, four towns, and countless conversations, the Fife Coast by Rail event demonstrated exactly what CAMRA socials do best: bring people together, champion local pubs, and celebrate real ale in all its variety. The use of rail travel kept the day relaxed and accessible, while the live updates on social media helped members join at different points along the route. It was a day of shared pints, shared stories, and shared appreciation for the pubs that make the Fife coastline such a rewarding place to explore. If this event is anything to go by, future joint socials with Edinburgh branch will be eagerly anticipated.

Pub of the Year 2026 - Hillend Tavern, Dalgety Bay

A hugely deserving winner and a true community pub, consistently delivering excellent cask ale, a warm welcome and a brilliant atmosphere.

A cracking day out all round. We kicked things off at The Whey Pat Tavern, who put on a great selection of beers for us — including the Chairman’s favourite Jarl. How did they know?!

Next up was St Andrews Brewing Co, South Street. No cask ale on this occasion, but they told us they do sometimes have cask on and will email us when it returns, so fingers crossed. We sampled a few keg options instead, and the Deputy Chair was more than content with a whisky‑cask cider, so spirits stayed high.

We sadly skipped Aikmans due to ongoing supply and cellar issues. We also passed by The Criterion, which was closed when we returned — it reopens on the 13th, so we’ll just have to come back.

Instead, we headed to the Central Bar. Three good beers, and those fabulous shiny tables reflecting that gorgeous ceiling — get in soon before they’re replaced!

Finally, we wandered back to the Whey Pat for the obligatory photo on the famous Friends sofa before heading our separate ways home. A great day, lots of ideas shared, and plenty of future events discussed. We definitely have our best ideas in the pub.

We are delighted to present our Special Award 2025 to Archie McCormack of The Burns Tavern, Leslie.

This award recognises Archie’s long-standing dedication to Real Ale and for providing the kind of warm, authentic pub welcome that really matters. The Burns Tavern is exactly the sort of place CAMRA exists to celebrate — well-kept beer, friendly faces, and a proper sense of community.

A very well-deserved award and a perfect way to round off our presentations for the year. Congratulations, Archie, and thank you for everything you do for pubs and drinkers in the Kingdom of Fife

We’re delighted to announce that The Commercial Inn in Dunfermline has scooped Bronze in the Cider Pub of the Year for Scotland and been crowned Fife Cider Pub of the Year!

This fantastic double win celebrates the pub’s dedication to quality real cider and perry, its warm welcome, and its support for local producers and CAMRA values.

A huge congratulations to the team at The Commercial Inn — well deserved recognition for creating a great place to enjoy a proper pint of real cider (or two)!

A social trip by bus to Anstuther was planned by bus visiting the real ale pubs of the area. We planned to use service buses but a last minute opportunity was available to meet up with a private preserved ‘Leopard’ coach with a group of people visiting the area from the Derby area.

We were picked up at Leven Railway Station and treated to a noisy bus ride via Lower Largo dropping a couple of drinkers off at the Railway Inn the onwards to our destination.

First pub for most visited was The Bank for a less than great pint which soon went off leaving two 5% plus stronger ales which didn’t fit witthe stunning summer weather. We moved on to the Dreel where the beer was good and the beer garden welcome. A quick check with the bus owner and a trip to Crail was quickly arranged.

The Shoregate at Crail had a great beer on offer from 71 brewing without doubt the best of the trip. The Golf Tavern only had a Greene King beer on but was a friendly welcome and then it was time to visit the chippy for a Fish Supper.

Back aboard the bus was called at The Ship Inn, Elie on the way back where a Stewart beer was sampled watching the cricket match on the beach with the local team playing against the Lords Taverners.

Back on the bus for drop offs on the way home after a great day and some fantastic weather!