History of Dunfermline

Dunfermline is a growing and vibrant community with a rich heritage, the historic capital city of Scotland. The name comes from the Gaelic "Dùn Fearam Linn" which translates as "the fort in the bend of the stream". You can see and experience much of the history of Dunfermline whilst still enjoying a modern and contemporary atmosphere. Recently the town has seen substantial growth; a large expansion is taking place towards the East including new housing, employment, a new library, a community hall, parks and schools. As this expansion continues there is also now a real shift towards reclaiming the ownership of the town’s links with Andrew Carnegie. As a city Dunfermline now has tangible opportunities to play a major role in growing further it’s cultural and economic profile, a role Andrew Carnegie would have seen as vital and central to its continued success and development.   Dunfermline, the ancient capital of Scotland, is just over the famous Forth Rail and Road Bridges less than one hour drive from Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews, Perth or Stirling. It’s one of the largest towns in the Kingdom of Fife and the birthplace of entrepreneur and father of philanthropy Andrew Carnegie. It is home to Carnegie library, the very first of over 4000 around the world. Pittencrieff Glen (another gift from the Carnegie family) is a large public park in the centre of town.  Dunfermline 's royal and monastic past dominate the town which can boast a royal palace and a 12th -century abbey, founded by Queen Margaret and the final resting place of Robert the Bruce and burial site of eleven other Scottish kings and queens. The foundations of the original building lie under the stunning Romanesque style nave. Over the centuries, as a result of royal patronage, the abbey flourished and expanded. An important role of the building was to provide accommodation for important visitors, including the reigning monarchs. A large guest house was built and King James VI's wife, Anne of Denmark, was granted the guest house in 1589. It was remodelled to provide a palace for her use. King Charles I was born there in 1600. The abbey ceased to function as such after the Reformation of the church in Scotland in 1560, but fortunately the nave of the church continued to be used as the local parish church. As a result much of the abbey has survived to this day. Dunfermline is also home to the restored 15th-century Abbot House and the cave in which St Margaret bathed the feet of the poor. King Malcolm Canmore established his court after the death of Macbeth at the now ruined fortified tower in the heart of Pittencrieff Glen. Dunfermline was also the birthplace of James I in 1394.