Reviving Kirkcaldy: ‘it’s time for people to talk less and do more’

Nearly three decades later, he’s still here and he along with his husband Den, has become one of the town’s most dynamic community champions. “I came to study, life had other plans,” he said. “Kirkcaldy became my home and my community.”

His journey has been anything but linear.

After the tragic loss of his father during his studies, Amby retrained as a hairdresser and ran his own salon for 15 years. Though rewarding at first, the pressures of the beauty industry wore him down.

“I was emotionally done. I needed to start again. I walked away, and said, ‘I’m just going to dance.’”

Amby began teaching with little more than passion and purpose.

Over time, he trained further, becoming an integral part of the aerial arts movement, specialising in international dance styles as well as holistic therapies. Today, he runs The Dance Shack Movement & Holistic Centre, in the town’s Olympia Arcade, a vibrant, inclusive studio that offers everything from pole and aerial hoop to flamenco, hula, and movement for older folk.

“It’s not just about fitness,” he explains. “It’s about connection, self-expression, and building a safe, respectful space where everyone belongs.”

Amby’s work also extends far beyond the studio. He’s the driving force behind Contrived Cabaret, a grassroots performance night that grew out of a desire to keep the creative energy of the Edinburgh fringe alive locally. He’s also the organiser behind Kirkcaldy Walking Festival, taken over from Greener Kirkcaldy now preparing for its 10th year.

“Apathy is the biggest problem,” he said. “Folk, say they want more in the town, but they don’t support what’s already happening. We pour our hearts into events, and sometimes it feels like shouting into the void.”

One of his dreams? Transforming the underused Kirkcaldy waterfront into a hub for water sports and leisure.

“We’ve got the space. Why not sink a ship, build an artificial reef, and open a surf and paddleboard hub with a café and gear hire? That brings people in, and they’ll spend money in the town before heading home.”

He’s also quick to challenge the mindset that Fife Council should solve every problem.

“People sit back and say, ‘The council should do this, the council should fix that.’ But the truth is, it can’t do everything, and it won’t. It’s our town too. If you see a mess, clean it. If you want something to happen, organise it. We all have a role to play.”

Amby, constantly putting ideas into action is challenging others to do the same.

“We don’t need your thanks, we need your presence. Show up. Share a post. Volunteer. Support your town.”

But the constant output comes at a cost.

“I’m not doing the Halloween cabaret this year as I’m burned out. We thrive on community support. One great night powers us for months, but when no one turns up its soul-crushing.” Despite the fatigue, Amby is hopeful: “You don’t need to wait for permission. Start small, clean something, show up - ask yourself what have I done for this town in the last year?”

“We’re tired. The doers are constantly trying, shouting - so please, support your town.

“Support each other - and if you’ve got ideas, come to us. We know how to make things happen, but we can’t do it alone. It’s time for people to talk less and do more”.

You can reach Amby at [email protected]