Tag: city status

Scottish Secretary attends ceremony to mark Dunfermline’s new city status

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has taken part in an event to mark Dunfermline officially becoming a city, after the new status was awarded as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Their Majesties King Charles III and the Queen Consort visited the former town for a ceremony to hand over the Papers Patent, which officially confirms Dunfermline as Scotland’s eighth city.

Inside the City Chambers, King Charles III presented the official documents to Provost of Fife, Councillor Jim Leishman, in front of an audience of invited guests.

Speaking ahead of the event, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “Being awarded city status represents a very special moment for Dunfermline and its community.

“It is particularly poignant, and a true honour, that Their Majesties King Charles III and the Queen Consort will be present at the event, marking their first official engagement since the end of formal Royal mourning.

“This Royal ceremony heralds an exciting new chapter in Dunfermline’s history, and I am delighted to attend and celebrate this wonderful city’s rich heritage and promising future.”

Dunfermline becomes Scotland’s newest city

Dunfermline has been awarded city status in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it was announced this morning.

Dunfermline is one of eight new cities. The other towns granted city status today were Bangor (Northern Ireland), Colchester, Doncaster, Douglas (Isle of Man), Milton Keynes, Stanley in the Falkland Islands and Wrexham in Wales.

Dumfries, Elgin, Greenock, Livingston, Oban, St Andrews and South Ayrshire had also submitted bids, but missed out this time round.

Dunfermline becomes Scotland’s eighth city following Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth and Stirling.

Perth was the last Scottish town to be awarded city status during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year in 2012.

Provost of Fife, Cllr Jim Leishman said the award will help Dunfermline to grow economically. He told STV: “The official title of city will give Dunfermline the wider recognition that it deserves as one of the fastest-growing, urban areas in Scotland, offering all the amenities that any modern city could hope for”.

Local MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville added: “Absolutely delighted that Dunfermline has today become Scotland’s eighth city.

“This will be a huge boost for our local community – and especially for our local businesses. Dunfermline has a fantastic story to tell and we now have an exciting opportunity to share it with the world.”