Dunfermline Tourist Attractions
|
|
Dunfermline, about 25mi/40km north of Edinburgh on the Fife peninsula, is famous as the historic capital of the Scottish kingdom. In later years it derived its prosperity from coal mining and also as a world center for trade in damask linen. Steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie has helped to enrich his home town by the donation of several social and cultural facilities.
Malcolm Canmore's Tower
Situated in the west of Dunfermline and a good starting point for a tour of the town is Malcolm Canmore's (Malcolm III) Tower in Pittencrieff Gardens. The foundation walls of this fortress date from the second half of the 11th century when Malcolm built his royal residence in the town. During his 35-year reign he and his wife Margaret tried to create a united and civilized nation, however, he fell victim to an ambush at Alnwick in 1093.
Carnegie Memorial
The 76 acre/31ha. park with pretty flower beds, nature trails, rockeries and lakes was commissioned by Andrew Carnegie in 1902 and he is remembered by a statue at the northern end of the park.
Pittencrieff Museum
An elegant 17th century country house accommodates Pittencrieff Museum and its displays illustrate the development of the park.
Abbey
The history of the abbey is explained at the Dunfermline Heritage Centre in the Abbot's House of the old monastery. The abbey is known to contain the remains of Robert the Bruce below the pulpit.
| Highlights: |
|---|
Royal Palace
Facing the Dunfermine abbey to the south lie the ruins of the Royal Palace which James VI (from 1603 James I of England) rebuilt in 1590. In 1600 his wife Anne of Denmark bore a son (later Charles I) here, but three years later the royal court moved to London after the "Union of Crowns".
Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum
The 1835 cottage where Andrew Carnegie was born is now a museum, providing information on his life.
Dunfermline Museum
Dunfermline Museum in Viewfield Terrace has a notable collection of damask. It is also a venue for temporary exhibitions.
