Design project seeks memorabilia to bring town’s past to life

Treasures sought which tell a tale about the town

Design Dunfermline 2018 is eager to hear from those who may have a piece of the town’s heritage in their home.

As part of the launch event to help shape a three-year heritage programme which has secured nearly £450,000, the team is asking people to bring a treasure which can tell a tale about the town’s past, share its story and have it included in an exhibition.

Derek Bottom, chairman of the Dunfermline Heritage Partnership, said: “We’re calling this activity Dunfermline Belongings, as we’re looking for personal objects that can help to tell a wider story about the town.

“It could be an old photo of the High Street, a flyer from the Kinema Ballroom, a theatre programme, memorabilia from the mills or pits or, perhaps, a mystery object passed on through the family. We know what objects are held in the museum, but what do locals have hidden away in their own homes?

“We’re interested in everyday things that can reveal the extraordinary story of Dunfermline.”

Photographs of the objects will be included in a digital exhibition.

Dunfermline Belongings, taking place from 11am to 2pm on Thursday in Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, is being held during Design Dunfermline 2018, which runs from tomorrow until Sunday.

This is inviting local people to help create a shared vision for their town centre by attending a series of drop-in public events, discussions and workshops.

Participants will be invited to suggest a number of architectural projects for future development, at least one of which will be prioritised to progress to a business plan and fundraising strategy. The former registry office in the Maygate is one of the possibilities.

This event is financed with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Government.

Design Dunfermline 2018 is working closely with Fife Council to make sure it ties in with its planning blueprint.

For more information on Dunfermline Belongings email David Hicks, the heritage researcher, on info@ dunfermline.com

To book a free place for Design Dunfermline 2018 visit http://design dunfermline2018.eventbrite.com

It could be an old photo of the High Street...or, perhaps, a mystery object passed on through the family. DEREK BOTTOM

Dunfermline-based Sam Foster Architects is leading a partnership which won the tender to run Design Dunfermline 2018. The event will invite the local community to help create a vision for Dunfermline town centre. Sam Foster with architect Oliver Chapman.