Dunfermline granted city status for Queen's Platinum Jubilee
The former royal burgh in Fife is among eight locations being honoured
Last updated 20th May 2022
Dunfermline is being made a city as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The former royal burgh in Fife will become the eighth one in Scotland - and is among eight British locations getting the honour to mark the occasion.
It comes after places across the country submitted bids - with judges particularly impressed by Dunfermline's civic pride, royal links and industrial heritage.
Provost of Fife Jim Leishman MBE - who made his name as a plater and manager at Dunfermline Athletic - 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.
“We look forward to being able to say ‘officially’ – Welcome to the City of Dunfermline!"
READ: Scotrail axes hundreds of train services
READ: Lee Johnson takes the reigns at Hibs
Historic seat of kings
Dunfermline is known for being a historic capital of Scotland - having been adopted as a principal residence by King Malcolm III nearly a millennium ago - and its abbey is the burial place of Robert the Bruce.
It's also the hometown of industrial pioneer Andrew Carnegie
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "Being awarded city status can give places a real boost, from helping grow the local economy, to raising its profile, to instilling civic pride.
"For a place with such rich royal history, it is fitting that Dunfermline is becoming a city as we celebrate our longest-serving monarch's Platinum Jubilee.
"Its lovely green spaces and fantastic cultural attractions will ensure that this new city thrives well into the future."
Where are the new UK cities?
Eight locations are being recognised to mark the Queen's 70 years on the throne, with applications opened to overseas territories for the first time.
The winners are:
- • Bangor, Northern Ireland
- • Colchester, England
- • Doncaster, England
- • Douglas, Isle of Man
- • Dunfermline, Scotland
- • Milton Keynes, England
- • Stanley, Falkland Islands
- • Wrexham, Wales
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said: “I am delighted that a record number of locations have been awarded the prestigious city status as part of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.
"What was clear to me during the process of assessing each application was the pride that people felt for their communities, local cultural heritage and the Royal Family.
“As we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s colossal contribution to society, I am thrilled that we are able to recognise some of the many places that make Britain great.
“It is also incredibly reflective of Her Majesty’s global outlook and years of international service that applicants from the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies have been selected as winners for the first time.
“I look forward to the world coming together to show our pride and gratitude to Queen Elizabeth II on the Jubilee weekend.”
Where are Scotland's cities?
Perth was the latest place north of the border to be granted city, for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Research suggests its local economy has expanded by 12% in the decade since.
It joined Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling and Inverness in holding the title.