News and Events | Eastenders Celebrate 40 years on

On Sunday 8 February 2026, 160 Pars supporters came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Eastenders at a special event organised by the Dunfermline Athletic Former Players Association.

On Sunday 8 February, 160 Pars supporters came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Eastenders at a special event organised by the Dunfermline Athletic Former Players Association at the new Carnegie Conference Centre at Fife College.

The Second Division champions of the memorable 1985`“86 season reunited at the new Carnegie Conference and Events Centre in Dunfermline to reflect on an iconic campaign that also coincided with the club`s centenary year. The afternoon revisited one of the most unique moments in Dunfermline Athletic`s history, when the team appeared on BBC`s Pebble Mill at One to perform their own version of EastEnders.

Above: Script writer Blair Morgan explained how the record all came about

Supporters were treated to a wealth of stories and memories from fan favourites of the era, including Jim Leishman MBE, Stevie Morrison, John Watson, Grant Jenkins, Jim Bowie, Ian Westwater, Rowan Hamilton and many more. Several local musicians involved in the original recording were also in attendance, including former Nazareth member Billy Rankin.

Above Rowan Hamilton, Ziggy Bowie and Grant Jenkins reminisce

Adding to the sense of nostalgia, rare archive footage was shown throughout the event, including never-before-seen material from the original studio recording of The Eastenders.

Above: Stevie `Snowy` Morrison shares a `letting off` story with Jim Leishman

FPA Chairman Ian Westwater said:-

`It was a fantastic day. It was great to catch up with so many former teammates and familiar faces, some of whom hadn`t seen each other for nearly 40 years. Thanks to everyone who came along and supported the Former Players Association.`

The afternoon concluded in fitting style with a live performance from then assistant manager Gregor Abel (pictured above), who performed his Dunfermline song, before the squad and original local musicians reunited on stage to perform The Eastenders live together one final time.