Dunfermline tourist information

The attractive and historic town of Dunfermline was once the early medieval capital of the Kingdom of Scotland, from the reign of Malcolm III in the 11th century, who established Dunfermline Abbey as an important royal and ecclesiastical centre after the death of Macbeth.

The Benedictine abbey and royal palace are now ruined, but the beautiful buildings can still be enjoyed, graced with imposing Romanesque stonework mainly dating from the 12th century when Malcolm's son King David expanded the site in memory of his mother St Margaret. It is also the last resting place of many Scottish monarchs, including Robert the Bruce.

Dunfermline has a good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants, and some pleasant walks, such as in the picturesque Pittencrieff Park (known as The Glen) which is the site of the remains of Malcolm III (Canmore)'s Tower. The park was gifted to Dunfermline by one of its most famous sons, the wealthy industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and houses a museum within Pittencrieff House.

The Andrew Carnegie Birthplace museum also celebrates his life and times in the humble cottage where his family lived. The Abbot House Heritage Centre is another local museum, set in a lovely historic pink-rendered building dating back to the 15th century.