DUNFERMLINE has been awarded official city status today as part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations.
The ancient capital has won its bid to have official city status, as part of the civic honours competition to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee in 2022.
Located in Fife, Dunfermline is a former Royal Burgh, having been made a seat for royal power by King Malcolm III in the mid-11th century, eventually making it the de facto capital of Scotland until 1437.
Despite Dunfermline often referring to itself as a city since the mid 1800s, and its ties to royal history, official city status in the UK can only be granted by the British monarch.
Thus, Dunfermline has only ever been a city in nature and not by name, until now.
Provost of Fife Jim Leishman, said: “The official title of city will give Dunfermline the wider recognition that it deserves as one of the fastest-growing, urban areas in Scotland, offering all the amenities that any modern city could hope for.
“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. “
Dunfermline and St Andrews were both put forward to the competition, keen to see their heritage recognised and their historical status officially restored, and both bids were supported by Fife Council.
Provost Leishman continued. “I’d like to congratulate Dunfermline and say thank you to all those who put in so much effort with the bid to get Dunfermline recognised as a city.
“Commiserations to St Andrews and all those who pulled out all the stops to put forward an excellent submission.
“We look forward to being able to say ‘officially’ – Welcome to the City of Dunfermline.“
