A bit about Dunfermline

History

Nicknamed ‘The Auld Grey Toun’, Dunfermline was once the capital of Scotland and is dominated by its royal and monastic past. It features in the history books as early as the 11th Century although the area was settled in the Neolithic period about 10,000 years ago. It was here that King Malcolm established his court after the death of Macbeth (according to Shakespeare anyway). Today it is the 9th most populous town in Scotland.

Location and Travel

Dunfermline sits on the Fife peninsula just a few kilometres to the north of the world famous Forth Bridge and enjoys relatively cool summers followed by mild winters. It is well-connected by the A907, A92 and M90 to Edinburgh, Perth and Kirkcaldy.

Dunfermline is served by two park and ride schemes as well as two mainline railway stations, Dunfermline Town to the south and Dunfermline Queen Margaret to the east, while plans are under discussion for building a third at Halbeath. Edinburgh Airport is only 21 kilometres to the south.

Local Amenities

Chief among the town’s many attractions is Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. Nearby is the stunning Pittencreiff Park, which was a gift to the town from its famous son, the world-renowned philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The hall named after him may not be as prestigious as its namesake on New York’s 7th Avenue, but it hosts a vibrant and diverse program of theatrical events throughout the year. You can find out all about his life and achievements at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum on the corner of Moodie Street and Priory Lane.

Other sites of historical significance include: St Margaret’s Cave, between Bruce Street and Chambers Street, where Queen Margaret came to pray over 900 years ago; the ‘Category A’ listed Abbot House on the corner of Maygate and Abbot Street, built in the 15th century and the oldest surviving secular building in Dunfermline; and just to the east of town, the enchanting ancient woodland at Calais Muir Wood.

Culture is also well provided for at Fire Station Creative on Carnegie Street, a 1934 fire station rescued from dereliction and reopened in 2015 as a bustling art gallery with a classroom and twenty studios. For shoppers, there is no shortage of options in the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, where dozens of retail outlets sit alongside a diverse range of eating places all under one roof. Alternatively on the high street you’ll find plenty of independent shops, cafes and bars.

Providing HR Support to Dunfermline Businesses

At The HR Dept we offer a highly skilled human resources service to local Dunfermline businesses. Perhaps you need help and advice with your recruitment process, contract drafting and compliance or payroll administration. We do this and so much more including training and development, disciplinaries and grievances, support during employee tribunals. In fact any of the issues that can arise in the management of any business, big or small we can handle and advise on.

The HR Dept Dunfermline is always on hand to give you the benefit of our expertise and experience. Contact us today to find out how we can help – email duncan.campbell@hrdept.co.uk to find out more.