The year was filled with remarkable stories of people who went the extra mile for the benefit of our communities.
From schools to business, from sport to the arts, their drive and enthusiasm were key to getting projects off the ground, and giving us reasons to be proud in 2018. Here is the full rundown of the Fife Free Press’ 40 Fifers Of The Year.
KHS LGBT+ group
1. LGBT+ at Kirkcaldy High School - Launched by the pupils and Dr Paul Murray, this award-winning, pioneering group earned widespread plaudits across education and far beyond they even welcomed Sir Ian McKellen to school!
2 Katie Pake - A remarkable young girl who lost most of her leg to cancer but remains determined to get back on the football pitch. Her spirit and determination saw her become an ambassador for charity, Stand Up To Cancer.
3 Andrew Magee - Andrew (left) saw that with towns up and down the country hosting their own comic cons, Kirkcaldy needed to be in the race. He was the driving force behind the first successful event earlier this year.
4 Bill Rennie & Volunteers - The sweat and toil to transform Aberdour station was recognised when it won Small Station of the Year at the National Rail Awards. The replanting and improvements was led by Bill and other volunteers.
5 Pamela Stevenson, Fife Economy Partnership - Making the shortlist of the Business Women Scotland/Womens Enterprise Scotland Awards was fitting recognition for the work and huge commitment Pamela brings to her role.
6 Marie Penman - The former councillor launched new group WTF (Women Together In Fife), rekindled the Fife Yes independence group, worked tirelessly for the foodbank, and led the debate on the opening of a strip club in town.
7 Linda Gourlay - In summer, Linda offered free haircuts to youngsters from low income families going back to school, making sure everyone had the chance to feel confident about returning to classes.
8 Viewforth High pupils - When the FFP called on people in the Kirkcaldy area to show how strong support is for a new cinema, Viewforth pupils went one better by launching their own cinema evenings and got a fantastic response.
9 Rosemary Potter- Part of the fabric of the Old Kirk, an important historic landmark. She spearheaded a £100K fundraising campaign for vital repairs, and secured sponsorship for each of the 100 steps to the top of the tower.
10 Todd Dutiaume - 20 years at Fife Flyers makes him the longest serving import in their history and qualifies him for honorary Fifer status. He marked the anniversary by leading them to the first trophy of their Elite League era.
11 Jimmy Bonner - The president of Kirkcaldy Rugby Club has organised the Kirkcaldy Loony Dook on January 1 for the past seven years, raising over £20,000 for many worthy causes.
12 Paul Meijer - Retired after a decade as head of Rosslyn School which provides a range of additional support for children aged four to 17. Families admired his dedicated and conscientious approach.
13 James Yorkston - The man who curated some fantastic nights of live music in Kirkcaldy did it again across 2018, bringing an eclectic range of performers to the Adam Smith Theatre, everyone from Phill Jupitus to Justin Currie.
14 Douglas Cameron - An IT and activities volunteer with Childrens Hospices Scotland (CHAS) he was awarded Volunteer of the Year at the Hospice UK Awards for his work in helping to reach, engage and retain more volunteers.
15 Carole-Anne Crossan - The Burntisland Co-op members pioneer has helped raise thousands of £s for the towns Christmas lights fund and other charities along with colleagues, and also organised the Great Burntisland Get-Together.
16 Glenn Macnamara - Glenns velvet tones have wowed audiences all over the world, flying the flag for the big band genre. Returning to play packed-out shows in Kirkcaldy shows hes still well remembered at home.
17 Rebecca McGowan - The Kirkcaldy footballer was called up to play for the national side. A former member of Raith Ladies, Rebecca now plays for St Johnstone in the SWPL2.
18 Jonny Adam - The Kirkcaldy driver had another fantastic year in motorsport, winning the British GT Championship for a record-breaking third time in his Aston Martin, making him the most successful driver in the series history.
19 Milo Carter - The brave Auchtertool youngster underwent a life-saving kidney transplant aged 8 with the organ donated by mum Sarah. Soon he was able to go to school with his friends and eat food instead of fed through a tube.
