Former royal burgh of Dunfermline awarded city status as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations to mark her 70 years on the throne
Dunfermline is being granted city status as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The Fife town and former royal burgh is one of several locations in the UK and further afield being bestowed the honour to mark the monarch's 70 years on the throne.
A record number of eight places are being made cities, with Bangor in Northern Ireland, Colchester, Doncaster and Milton Keynes in England and Wrexham in Wales all being similarly honoured, along with Douglas on the Isle of Man and Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack offered his "warmest congratulations" to Dunfermline – which was one of the seats of the kings of Scotland in the middle ages, with Robert the Bruce buried in Dunfermline Abbey after his death in 1329.
Mr 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."
He added that businesses and communities in the area will "enjoy the benefits of this prestigious new title".
Provost of Fife Jim Leishman welcomed the announcement, saying: "The official title of city will give Dunfermline the wider recognition that it deserves as one of the fastest-growing, urban areas in Scotland.
"City status will help us grow economically and as a tourist destination.
"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."
Those bidding for city status as part of the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition were asked to highlight their royal associations, as well as showcase their unique communities and distinct local identity.