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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sean Murphy

A look around Dunfermline - the historic town that's just become Scotland's newest city

It was once the resting place of Scottish royalty and is considered to be one of Scotland's most influential towns.

Now the former royal burgh of Dunfermline has just become Scotland's newest city as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Located on the northern coast of the Firth of Forth, across the water from the capital, the Fife town is perhaps a fitting choice due to its long association with the Kings and Queens of Scotland of the past.

With settlements there thought to date all the way back to the Neolithic period, the city has a long and illustrious past.

The first official record of Dunfermline as a town date back to the 11th century, as the church was the setting for the marriage of King Malcolm III.

Later an abbey was established there by his wife, Saint Margaret, which eventually became a royal mausoleum for Scottish kings and queens including Margaret I and Robert the Bruce.

Due to this connection to the Scottish royal line, as the home of the Scottish court before the Union of the Crowns, many often refer to Dunfermline as one of Scotland's historical capitals.

Landmarks

Dunfermline Abbey (Getty)

Founded in 1128 by David I, Dunfermline Abbey and Palace is now a popular tourist attraction in its own right.

The grounds of the abbey are now looked after by Historic Environment Scotland, while the abbey itself, where Robert The Bruce's tomb still lies, is still owned and used by the Church of Scotland.

Things to do

Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum

Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum (Kim Traynor/CCbySA2.0)

The famous philanthropist and businessman Andrew Carnegie was born in the city and helped to build up the area with support in building a library, concert hall and swimming pool, the town's most famous son, they've built a museum in honour of his many achievements.

Knockhill Racing Circuit

Knockhill Racing (Craig McAllister)

Scotland's national motorsport centre dates back to the 70s and is hugely popular with families and racing fans.

Karting, motorsports and driving experiences make for a thrilling day out.

Pittencrieff Park/'The Glen'

Pittencrieff Park (Dkardokas/CCbySA2.0)

Dating back to 1902, when Andrew Carnegie bought it and gave it to the people of Dunfermline, this park and gardens are still hugely popular with residents and visitors today.

City Status

Provost of Fife Jim Leishman welcomed the announcement that Dunfermline was now a city, saying: "City status will help us grow economically and as a tourist destination and will have a positive impact on Dunfermline and the surroundings.

"Of course, the people of Dunfermline have always known that Dunfermline is a city, that's why we have the City Car Park, the City Hotel and City Cabs but it's great to finally get official recognition of this."

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