The Human Collective

15/06/2026

Hello

Apologies for going quiet this last week, I took some time away and was able to reset.

I'm now actively inviting people to reach out and suggest people to talk to, to celebrate those who deserve to be celebrated. Real human stories with no adverts or subscriptions to pay. I'll not say no to a coffee though, if you feel like supporting the page 😅❤️

There's also the misconception that these stories are "pieces" or "articles" and I'm not a journalist but I can see why people think that.

I think the best way to describe The Human Collective is that it's a "living obituary", each story is a celebration of the person who told me it. It also serves as a reminder that we're all so beautifully human and similar in so many ways.

The page also crossed 10000 Followers so I'd like to say thank you to those of you who enjoy the page. Please come say hello to me at the Silverburn Festival this weekend.

Stories will return this week ❤️

Here's 4 faces I've captured on my travels recently 📷

11/06/2026

Hello

Just a wee announcement to say that I've been kindly asked to cover media duties for this years Silverburn Festival next weekend.

I'll be on "human duty" and I'll be talking to people and capturing the buzz of the crowd, I'll be in amongst it all whilst other talented people will be photographing the action.

Silverburn Festival has gone from strength to strength and it'll be good to speak to as many people as I can.

See you next weekend 📷 🤟🏻

08/06/2026

"My name is John and I run Fife Forge on Kirkcaldy High Street. We sell Antiques, Art, Scottish & Antiquarian Books, Collectables, Music and Film, and run our growing local, people's museum, the Lang Toun Little Museum.

I'm originally from Wellington in New Zealand, but moved here over 20 years ago and have lived here on and off. Currently we’ve been back full time for over 5 years.

I fell in love with Kirkcaldy when I first saw it, there was just something about it. Between the parks, the coast and the history of it something just compelled me to make it home.

I have a Scottish grandfather from Bellshill, but was otherwise unaware of my Scottish roots beyond Lanarkshire. It was only last year when I found out I have great grandparents from Kirkcaldy, going way back and other Fife ancestors.

My wife and I made our home here with our kids attending school in Kirkcaldy for a time. I was working abroad a lot too and it became apparent that it wasn't for me anymore.

I've always loved history, it started as a kid with the movies set in the desert and this is what lead to me almost studying Archaeology at university instead of Law.

I wanted to do something around my love of history, so we renovated this shop on the high street. We brought it back to its original bones, because it's a beautiful building and it's perfectly suited for what it's being used for now with what we have.

Fife Forge is about history and the stories behind that history because Kirkcaldy has got such a rich history dating back to the Picts. Much of this is lost on people, especially younger generations so it's good to have something so accessible. We get a lot of miners in with their families, as well linoleum factory workers and servicemen. Fife Forge was also the name of the engineering works that used to be around. Our name is a salute to Kirkcaldy’s creative past and future. It evokes so many memories and there's always plenty of interest.

The Lang Toun Little Museum includes a Fife Wall of Legends and there's Jocky Wilson, Nazareth and of course The Langtoun Trio. Anything with a connection to Fife, you'll find it in here. This is a labour of love, preserving the heritage, the culture and history of Kirkcaldy and beyond. It's about making something beautiful and that can be remembered.

Kirkcaldy is an open and welcoming place, it's a lot like Wellington too. There's so many friendly faces who'll take a moment out of their day to say hello. As soon as we arrived we were welcomed. The community has shown us a lot of love, between the many positive comments from locals and visitors about the shop and the generous donations of precious local artifacts for the museum, as well as making Kirkcaldy a great place to live, it encourages us to keep doing what we are doing here.

In terms of Kirkcaldy's future we can all see many positive contributions from locals and newcomers, and government support. Whilst Kirkcaldy’s past was glorious, just like today it was not without flaws and Kirkcaldy fell on hard times more than once. Kirkcaldy rose again to become world renowned and prosperous. If it can be done once, it can be done again. Kirkcaldy can reinvent itself and become grand again in different ways. Meanwhile we can still enjoy its beauty"

Have you been into Fife Forge? It's a magical place, give Johns story a wee share if you've been by. Thanks

06/06/2026

"My name is Mhairi and I volunteer here at the Wellesley Centre

I started here 3 years ago, just to help out initially as front of house for the cafe but from day one I was working in the kitchen. It's amazing here and it means so much to be a part of it. I don't know Reverend Gillian realises how much being here saved me, especially after the pandemic. I felt lost, didn't know what to do with myself. So I seen that they were looking for volunteers to help and I came along and I'm still here.

I've not got a background in this by the way, I was literally thrown into the deep end and it was the best way, alot of people assume that I do but I've learned from day one with good people around me.

I get so much out of volunteering here, friendship and conversation. It's the people, they make this place what it is. It's a family and with over 70 volunteers, it shows you that people want to be here, be a part of this. I'm not religious at all, many of us aren't but I do go to church on a Sunday because I love listening to her sermons, I come along and I love it.

This place is a godsend, no pun intended. I come in here everyday and I just really enjoy it. We serve the community and I don't think theres anything better than volunteering to do that, I'd never done it before starting here but I can give back and help others, whether it's the cafe, Bibs and Burbs or The Hope Chest on a Friday, I'm always up to something. Give this place a chance, come along and say hello.

At the end of this month we're off to the Holyrood Garden Party. I remember the look on Gillians face that night in Kirkcaldy, that was such a special night for me and for you I imagine. I never thought that would be my thing but what an experience it'll be for us"

National Volunteer Week runs from June 1st-7th and over the last 2 years, I've met so many amazing volunteers from all over Fife. My goal is to meet more, give Mhairis story a wee share if you've volunteered or are still volunteering.

Thank you for what you do ❤️

05/06/2026

Hello

The Human Collective is at the beginning of a brand new chapter. Since it took off, there's always been an assumption that there's a few of us running around the East Coast of Scotland meeting people and telling their story, when the reality is that it's just me.

I've been lucky to have such amazing support from people I've met and haven't met but it needed more. It needed someone to believe in it like I do.

Someone who wants nothing but the best for it, to see it thrive and reach all corners of Scotland.

Brian & Cobus from Bebold Agency are 2 of the 3 people who I can proudly say have my back. I've been beyond grateful to have that support alongside the wonderful Mairi who has been quietly cheering me on from the sideline for the last wee while. I have 3 friends who I care about because they believe in what I'm doing.

Stay tuned for the next chapter....

Thank you for everything ❤️

I’m really excited to be working with Ryan from The Human Collective.

The Human Collective is a celebration of people & their stories across Fife (and beyond).

It is a space dedicated to sharing meaningful stories from real people capturing lived experiences, voices and perspectives that often go unheard.

Check out the stories https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088317703374

05/06/2026

"My name is Gillian and I've been the minister at Wellesley Parish Church in Methil for 16 years.

I absolutely love being a part of this community, I completed the final part of my training up in Kennoway and at the time due to roadworks, I had to take a detour through Methil and there was just something about this place, so I applied for the role and got it. I was asked "why are you going to Methil" and I said "it feels like a community that needs to be loved" and that's what I've found in people I've met and helped. Being a minister is a privilege because you're with people in the best of times such as christenings and weddings and in the worst of times for funerals, which has been the majority of my work here. Being allowed to tell someones story is the last thing I can do for them and it's an immense privilege.

One thing that's not spoken about much is social isolation, there's so many people out there facing that, there's poverty but there's a poverty of loneliness. The Hope Chest Project is something I'm very proud of, it's based on my beliefs and that's that we're here to help one another. The referral system has seen us see hundreds of people come through those doors, nobody should be struggling out there, it's the 21st century after all.

The Wellesley Center is another thing I'm proud of, we have babies all the way to pensioners using it. We have so many amazing groups that offer support of all kinds to people, things that bring people together. It's all about the community whether you live in Methil or you don't. Anybody is welcome. I came here because I felt it was somewhere I could show love to people who need it. The Gala is something we brought back and continues to be a success.

I'm not interested in whether you have faith or not, your beliefs don't define you and like I said, these doors will always be open to anybody that comes in. We're here to serve the community and that's what I love because its just about the people I meet. I regularly vist Aberhill Primary and Levenmouth Academy to attend youth groups which is very rewarding.

I'm inspired by the amount of volunteers we have now, it's well over 70 people. Some of them attend church and some don't. It's all about working together to help and support each other.

At the end of the day when I retire in a few years, I'd like to walk away with folk in the community knowing that I cared about them and that they mattered and that I loved them. For me it's that fulfilment, my faith is built on helping, supporting and encouraging other people. I get to do that everyday and it's an immense privilege, it's the greatest role I've had because it's brought me so much joy"

Thank you to Reverend Gillian for her time to sit and chat, hers is a story I've been wanted to tell for a very long time and I'm ever so glad we did. If her story has resonated with you, please give it a wee share. Thank you ❤️

04/06/2026

Hello

As you may know, I was supposed to have a show at The Kings this month with live music from friends of mines.

An amazing young man I met recently is the lead singer and guitarist of Dirty Bams, Nathan. The band were due to close the show.

Tragically, Nathans brother, Daniel, passed away this week and his family are raising funds to give him a beautiful send off.

If you can donate, please do.

Sending my love to anybody who knew and loved Daniel

https://www.gofundme.com/f/daniel-mrimi?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=whatsapp&lang=en_US&fbclid=IwdGRjcASOg0ljbGNrBI6DJWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHszlBr9hrfEEbryUkeL0oCkjs-duJA4v55bxBJhbGglUZeiUrylx5cJUpt65_aem_Obe4-Wly7LmdzcROp6sbQg&utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e227_tv2_tp1_a1demoo4of67z1

Our beloved son, brother, brother in law, and uncle passed away on 2nd June 2026 at just 20 years old, lea… Chantal Mrimi needs your support for Daniel Mrimi

04/06/2026

My name is Jamie but most people will know me as Jamie the jester

I'm a childrens entertainer but I also perform magic, I do balloon modelling and game shows. It started on my paper round, I was a paper boy at the Toll Bar in Methil when I was about 13/14. I'd also work at night and most of my pay which wasn't a lot at that time went towards my visits to the joke shop in Kirkcaldy. I'd get my wages on a Friday and on Saturday morning I'd be through there spending those same wages.

I love magic, especially magic with props. I would just buy these things and at the time, David Blaine was becoming famous so I'd watch his stuff and just be mesmerised. For me it was close up magic, parlour tricks and stuff but I was learning from VHS videos, we never had YouTube then so there I was rewinding these videos to learn how to do this type of magic, really studying it!

I'm also dyslexic so for me it was a struggle and with every magic set, there's instructions. I had to work it out in my own way, I'm a visual learner so it wasn't easy.

I've been in Levenmouth all my life, I'd never move away. The community has taken good care of me, I'm always at events like today up on a stage making kids and adults smile and laugh. I've seen kids who now have kids, that's how long I've been doing this. I just really love doing this, honestly, I can't express just how much I love it, I remember all the performances, all faces. I was out one day and was served a pint by a young man named Ethan who remembered me from his 4th birthday party. "My mums got a picture of us" he said. That was a surreal moment.

I'm married with 3 sons, my oldest comes along with me to the magic circle in St Andrews, he really enjoys it, he took an interest early on which has been great. I couldn't do this without them and their support. When I'm not entertaining I'm a landscape gardener and I go by Magic Gardens. Of course I'd love to do this all the time, the entertaining, because when I'm up there, all that matters is the kids and getting the biggest smiles and laughs"

For years, Jamie has entertained people of all ages all over Levenmouth and beyond. Give his story a wee share if Jamie has worked his magic for you or if you'd like to support him. Thank you 😊

03/06/2026

Part 2

"I've always been an ideas guy, with a notion for taking on too much. I've been very lucky to have such a great landlady named Louise from Eloise on the high street. I'm pretty open about my struggles, it's hard to get things going, to see regular footfall and to keep people coming back.

I was ready to pack it all in, go back to being a Pipe Fitter then this place come up. This felt different to anything I'd tried before, it's hard to explain but I know this is going to work. I've told people, just to trust the process and it will happen. It's the mindset to succeed that keeps me hungry, keeps me determined. That and my staff, I've got Jamie who's a wizard in the kitchen with his partner Chloe by his side. I'd be lost without the people I trust doing this and I'm grateful for them all.

It's been really good here, we had 3 weeks to decorate it before we opened, less than £1000 budget, it was me and my mates and we painted every inch of the building. We got the keys on November 10th and opened by the 29th for our Christmas bookings, and even now I'm still doing odd jobs, just to keep it looking its best. Sustainability is all that matters and to provide the community of Kirkcaldy with something alternative.

I think for me, I just enjoy seeing people have a good time. I'm very socially awkward but I love a party, but I get to be behind the bar away from it all. I'm definitely a feeder, I've picked up on all the cultures I experienced when I traveled. After 12 years of being away, I rarely visited so when I did return I didn't recognise Kirkcaldy, it needs all the input it can get, not just people looking to cash in on it. There's such a selection in the places I visited up abroad and coming back opened my eyes. Kirkcaldy needs all the care it can get from it's own people.

The community is amazing here, I'm a nightmare because I'll lose my keys, my phone or my wallet all the time. 3 times I've lost my wallet and each time I've had it back with the money in it. It's an incredible community for so much more reasons than just me getting my wallet back. The towns full of amazing local businesses, some of which you've met. We look out for one another, we root for one another. Why wouldn't you want to be a part of this? I would like to see more tourists here, the high streets where my heart has always been. We need your support and anybody that does anything for themselves, it's effort, 100% effort all the time with no safety net.

It would just be nice to see people thrive, to see Kirkcaldy thrive again, and even if it doesn't work, they're trying, trying and trying and that's all that matters"

Locally owner businesses like Jocks needs the community to survive. In my time in Kirkcaldy I've went to wherever I could and told their story and soon, I'm moving on.

For now, share the second part of Ross' story if like him, you want to see Kirkcaldy flourish again. Thanks ❤️

02/06/2026

"My name is Ross and I run a bar and restaurant called Jocks Bar & Grill on Kirkcaldy High Street.

I was born here in Kirkcaldy, Mum was a Londoner but lived here for 30 years. When I was 16, I moved away and I found myself in Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh and then I went over to Rhodes in Greece. I moved over there with one of my best mates along with my younger brother. They opted to stay on the island, working in bars and restaurants and I was like "nah, I'm done" so I left.

I hopped on a boat to Italy, then I walked the Italian coast to Slovenia, then to Croatia, onto Albania before returning to Croatia. For 9 months I walked with a hammock on my back. It was honestly the best time of my life, there was no worries except for feeding yourself and finding somewhere nice to sleep at night. It was just so unbelievably peaceful, the most peaceful my life has ever been I think. I also met so many amazing people on my travels, I just got some miles on my soul I'd say"

An alarm goes off his phone and Ross apologises "sorry man, it goes off all the time, I've been a type 1 diabetic since I was 15" he stops it and I ask how this journey began.

"I was Pipe Fitter and Groundworker before all this and I just got sick of the cold weather during winter, working outside was awful and the people I worked for weren't really for me. I suppose it started with my cousin and I driving to the Odeon in Dunfermline everyday to get Tango Ice Blasts, we needed to bring this to Kirkcaldy I thought, so we wanted to do it out of a van only to be told we needed a premises so we opened a shop. My cousin stepped away because the wages were so unpredictable most weeks, I then decided to open a coffee shop next door when it came up for rent, I also served savoury food as I've always preferred it to sweet stuff.

I opened it as a vegan/vegetarian coffee shop cause at that time I was trying to be more healthier, trying to be mindful of what I was eating and wanted to share it with Kirkcaldy and the world. This was during the pandemic, I don't think any of us were ready or could have predicted the effect of it, not just on the hospitality industry, but the world. It was nothing short of a nightmare, financially and socially. I've always been social and it sounds selfish but I just missed people. I guess I was lucky because I still got to go to work and do some DIY, that definitely kept me sane during all that chaos.

I then opened The Secret Garden along the road and tried to make that work for 2 years but see when you're not on the high street, people don't know you're there, they walk with their heads down and it didn't have the footfall. I them gambled on the shop across the road on the corner, despite people telling me not to for various reasons. There's been lots of businesses in there, and none of them worked. We were actually really busy but it just became impossible. I started to ask myself "how much more can I take of this" but I kept going, somehow, because I truly love it, I believed in it and not just for me but I believed in the people on my team. I knew the clock was ticking but I had one last idea...."

Ross has been working hard to give Kirkcaldy something unique and different and despite the difficulties, he's always bounced back. Tomorrow I'll share part 2 of his story but in the meantime, give this a wee share, follow the page and pop by to sample some amazing food.

Thank you ❤️

Part 2 -

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GB43vKuWz/