Royal approval for Scotland’s ancient capital as it is made a city
IN centuries past, it was known as Scotland’s capital. Now the community that was the birthplace of Charles I and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and is also the final resting place of King Robert The Bruce, is celebrating after it was granted city status as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Congratulations flooded in yesterday when the Fife town’s new status was announced, with hopes expressed it will boost the area’s tourism status, boost the economy in the area and raise its profile.
It 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.
The capital of the Falkland Islands is among eight places to win coveted city status as part of celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Stanley in the Falklands Islands was the first Overseas Territory to win the competition for city status, while Douglas, on the Crown Dependency of the Isle of Man, also claimed the civic honour.
The Cabinet Office said Bangor in Northern Ireland, along with Colchester, Doncaster and Milton Keynes in England and Wrexham in Wales also won the honour.
They are some of the places that “make Britain great”, according to Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay.
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 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 it deserves as one of the fastest-growing, urban areas in Scotland, offering all the amenities any modern city could hope for.
“City status will help us grow economically and as a tourist destination and will have a positive impact on Dunfermline and the surroundings.
“Of course, the people of Dunfermline have always known 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.
While similar contests have been held in the past, this was the first one to be opened up to towns from Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, resulting in Stanley and Douglas being included.
Mr Barclay said he was “delighted a record number of locations have been awarded the prestigious city status as part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations”.
He added: “What was clear to me
during the process of assessing each application was the pride that people felt for their communities, local cultural heritage and the royal family.
“As we celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s colossal contribution to society, I am thrilled we are able to recognise some of the many places that make Britain great.
“It is also incredibly reflective of
Her Majesty’s global outlook and years of international service that applicants from the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies have been selected as winners for the first time.”
City status will help us grow economically