Bruce Festival funding boost

The Bruce Festival, which will form a key event in Homecoming Scotland 2014, has secured £30,000 funding from the Scottish Government.

The two-day celebration showcases Dunfermline’s status as the ancient capital of Scotland and burial place of King Robert the Bruce, who lies beneath the pulpit in the Abbey.

Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker said: “The Bruce Festival, and indeed Homecoming Scotland, is important for so many reasons.

“It encourages tourists and locals alike to explore the cultural heritage of Dunfermline. Its programme never fails to deliver a fantastic weekend of history and fun.

“The association with Homecoming 2014 – a year-long programme of events celebrating the best of Scotland’s culture and ancestral heritage – will provide a massive boost. I would anticipate even more Bruce Festival visitors than usual being attracted to Dunfermline thanks to this additional promotion.

“The festival is also good news for local traders. Last year, more than16,000 visitors flocked to the city centre and Pittencrieff Park, boosting the local economy by £398,000.

“Well done to Dunfermline Delivers and its Chief Executive Maggie Mitchell for their successful bid for funding. Hats off to them for all their hard work in organising the Bruce Festival and boosting the profile of Dunfermline.”