Massive funding boost for west Fife tourism initiative

West Fife’s tourism industry has received a major cash injection.

The Dunfermline Heritage Partnership has secured nearly £200,000 of funding from Scottish Enterprise to help create guided tours using digital technology.

The partnership and the Heartlands of Fife Local Tourist Association are providing match-funding to bring the total to £339,567.

It will pay for the creation of several self-guided driving and walking themed tours, as well as new tours led by a team of local Welcome Ambassadors.

The volunteer ambassadors will be based in Dunfermline and will lead visitors around some of Fife’s hidden gems.

A new In the Footsteps of Kings and their Queens trail will allow visitors to trace the steps of historic royals.

Businesses will also be encouraged to work closely together to deliver a more joinedup visitor experience.

The announcement comes after VisitScotland research found 53% of tourists get their information by talking to locals.

Surveys have also found interacting with residents is one of the most valued aspects of a visit to Scotland.

Project leaders hope to capitalise on heightened interest in the area, thanks to the popularity of Outlander, which is partly filmed in Fife. The release of Outlaw King, a new film about Robert the Bruce, starring Hollywood star Chris Pine, will also shine a spotlight on the area.

City of Dunfermline committee convener Helen Law said: “We’ve seen how the development of tours such as North Coast 500 can help drive tourism.

“With eight self-guided tours, around themes such as kings and queens, pilgrimage, linen and damask and children’s tours, Dunfermline and the Heartlands can attract more tourists.

“Businesses will be able to access better information, and, by working together, can benefit from longer stays by visitors to west Fife.”