‘Great response’ to bid to brighten up Auld Grey Toun

Design Dunfermline 2018 was one of the best-supported charrettes in Scotland.

Over the course of four days, its events attracted more than 400 participants.

As well as staging sessions in the City Chambers and the awardwinning Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, the design team went out and about, speaking to local people in the town centre and Dunfermline High School.

This was the launch event that will help shape a three-year heritage programme. The scheme has secured more than £300,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Government. The total funding package – including contributions from partners – amounts to £444,410.

Kevin Murray led the four days of intensive community planning exercises. He is a well known expert in urban design and has run many similar events all over the UK.

He said: “The Dunfermline event has had a great response in terms of numbers, enthusiasm and passion.

“Local people and businesses, community groups, high school students, Fife Council planners, councillors and local MP Douglas Chapman all brought constructive ideas, and a passion for Dunfermline, to the table.”

Labour councillor Helen Law, convener of the Dunfermline area committee, added: “This is a community-led event but Fife Council will continue to support it at every stage.

“We helped to make sure the project got under way at the start. Staff and councillors made significant contributions during the event and it will be closely linked with Dunfermline’s development framework and the community plan.”

The event was financed with awards from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Government Making Places fund.

The community plan has been organised by Fife Council but has been created by community groups.