Perched on the northern shores of the Firth of Forth you will find the stony city of Dunfermline. It was made famous in the early 18th century as being the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie. A man who went on to open 2,509 libraries throughout the known world. The Scots care more for books than we let on.
The Town Hall Tower – one of the more noticeable landmarks. Image Albert Pego/Shutterstock.com
Up until the 17th century, Dunfermline was the Royal Capital of Scotland… that’s the Scottish Royal family, which is why it has been hushed up and forgotten about. Malcolm Canmore, Robert the Bruce, Queen Margaret, and a reported 5 other Scottish kings all rest in Dunfermline Abbey, even to this day. Edinburgh has been the official capital city since 1437… but it hasn’t always been under Scottish control. In those times there was the steady, steadfast, solid people of Dunfermline to rely on.
Interestingly, our true capital was actually Perth, up until King James I was murdered there. There is also mention of Scone (where the stone came from) as a capital in the early records… but we are going off on a tangent again.
Dunfermline is a city in fife that is home to its own abbey, the former Royal Palace, and a stunning stretch of coastline. The clans Lindsay and Ruthven both have roots in the area. Of course, the Bruce clan are the biggest name associated with Dunfermline.  This Fife-based town is on the edge of the Highlands and is even the burial place of a head of the Clan MacLean of Mull.
So without rambling any longer, let’s take a look at some of the best attractions in this historic former capital.
Dunfermline at a Glance
Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia, via Wikimedia Commons
So if you have a day to spend in Dunfermline, what should you see first? Here’s our five minute guide to the best attractions in Dunfermline, as told by a native Scot.
The Imposing Dunfermline Abbey
RowanArtCreation/Shutterstock.com
We mentioned these above and they are absolutely top sites. If you like a little urban exploration, old ruined building where you can still see the former grandeur, or historical tours – then this is for you. The Abbey has that famous cemetery attached, making this the perfect stop for the horror obsessed.
If you care to follow the macabre out to the nearby village of Torryburn, you might find the home of the Torryburn Witch – Scotland’s only recorded witches grave. Every witch in Scotland was burned save for this one. For some reason, she was buried on the beach of the village, under a huge flat stone. She wasn’t discovered until 2014 and is estimated to have been killed around 1740. Those that like a mystery might find a trail to follow here.
Queen Margaret, the same that is buried in the Abbey, is also a celebrated Saint within the Catholic Church. Back in 1066 she and her brother had to flee after the Battle of Hastings killed her elder male relatives. She and her brother were set to sail to refuge in Europe. However, a storm blew them off course and they wound up in Dunfermline. The then king Malcolm III took her in and eventually married her. She was sainted for both establishing Dunfermline Abbey and bringing Roman Catholicism to Scotland which included the phasing out the Gaelic language in the royal courts.
We Scots are only happy with one of these. Our language is dying nowadays… but you can still visit the cave that was excavated in honour of the woman who caused it.
No long stories with this one, just pure fun for the kids. They can get up and inside the buses and pretend to drive or be ticket inspectors. They’re all bright colours and interesting, and they have a little café and gift shop there, too. The Bus Museum is a great place to take the kids at the weekend.
The place to see busses such as a Leyland Atlantean
Editorial credit: northallertonman / Shutterstock.com
Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries
The thing is, Dunfermline has Andrew Carnegie tributes everywhere. You can visit his birthplace and his museum, but the galleries offer year-round exhibitions and you are always guaranteed to find something a little different.
Pittencrieff Park is another place where you can enjoy some quality time with the kids. It has a pavilion, has an area for a petting zoo – famous for peacocks that you should in no way attempt to pet. At night they go a little Enchanted Forest and light the trees up in fantastic colours. Pittencrieff is regularly host to open-air events such as gigs throughout the summer, and Christmas markets in winter. Definitely worth popping in to see what’s on.
Where to Eat, Drink and Party in Dunfermline
We wouldn’t be real Scots if we didn’t know all of the best places to get your party on.
If you are looking for the best place to take the kids for dinner in Dunfermline, then try the ever-reliable Harvester. They have a kids menu and will likely bring them some activity books or colouring in stuff while they wait to eat. If you want somewhere at little more up-market, then Fabric is an option. If you like Indian food then Ashiqs Fine Indian Cuisine is as good as it gets.
For the best cocktails in Dunfermline, visit the Creepy Wee Pub because it’s hilarious. You should also check out the Ballroom Sports Bar if you want a dance.
Other Notable Attractions
Dunfermline has a few other things that you ought to check out if you have a little more than five minutes spare. You should see the following sights if you are in stopping by:
- Knockhill Racing Circuit – Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre and not for the faint of heart!
- The Alahambra Theatre – you can catch a show or involve yourself in some Community Drama.
- Townhill Country Park – it’s cool’ it just isn’t as cool as Pittencrieff…
- Balmule Fishery – fishing might as well be our national sport.
- Dunfermline FCÂ – The towns football club Founded in 1885 with their main claim to fame being winning the Scottish Cup twice – the last being in 1968. However, they reached the final as recently as 2007.
The Pars won the 168 Scottish Cup Beating Hearts 3-1. They beat both Celtic & Aberdeen on their way to the final
Have Five More Minutes?
If you still find yourself at a loose end then head on back to our main pages and find another Scottish town to learn about. If travel isn’t your thing then we have all sorts of lifestyle and entertainment articles that will keep you amused… at least for another five minutes, anyway.
