New flagship Dunfermline museum receives £2.8m cash boost

Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker has welcomed the Heritage Lottery Fund’s announcement today of a £2.8m grant towards the establishment of a museum and art gallery in the historical heart of the Auld Grey Toun.

The new flagship museum will link two existing listed buildings in Dunfermline’s heritage quarter – the Carnegie Library and a former bank – to create a combined museum, art gallery, library, archives and local history service. This latest funding follows £6.8m already allocated by Fife Council and Carnegie Dunfermline Trust.

Mr Walker said: “This will be a 21st century building complementing and diversifying the layered history of the heritage quarter, showcasing stunning views of the Abbey and Abbot House. It will be for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike, and will increase the footfall in Dunfermline’s heritage quarter, including the Glen, Abbey, Abbot House and the palace, as well as further along the road to Andrew Carnegie’s Cottage. Vitally, it will also bring more people to the shops and cafes.

“I was delighted to back the previous Fife Council administration’s commitment to this project while I was still councillor for West Fife and Coastal Villages. Dunfermline has an impeccable cultural heritage, from ancient to industrial times and onwards. It was chosen by Malcolm Canmore as the capital of Scotland. It boasts the tomb of Robert the Bruce and is the burial place of many royal personages. It was the hometown of Andrew Carnegie and was a thriving industrial centre. Plus, we have the glorious Pittencrieff Park, acquired by Andrew Carnegie so he could gift it to the people.

“This museum is exactly what we need to reinvigorate our Auld Grey Toun and remind people of why they should visit Dunfermline.”

Garden view of the new Dunfermline museum and art gallery.