Visit Dunfermline

23/07/2024

David Cargill is a TV producer and showrunner originally from Dunfermline. He attended Woodmill High School and later graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Cargill has extensive experience in the television industry, having worked on various notable projects.

He has served as an executive producer, showrunner, and director for series such as "Blood Relatives," "Crime Scene Confidential," and "HitRECord on TV". Currently, he is an Executive Producer and Show Runner at Asylum Entertainment Group.

23/07/2024

Continuing our theme of local success stories Michael 'Curly' Jobson is a veteran of the concert production industry with 40 years of experience. He has worked with numerous high-profile artists throughout his career, including Echo & The Bunnymen (who he also played guitar with for a spell), James, The Waterboys, UB40, Slayer, Anthrax, Jane's Addiction, Amy Winehouse, Swedish House Mafia, and many others.

Currently, Jobson serves as the Executive Director of Events at MDLBEAST, a role that puts him at the forefront of developing a new industry in Saudi Arabia. His extensive experience has led him to work with some of the biggest names in the music industry across various genres.

Originally from Ballingry Michael moved to Saline with his family when still at primary school. He attended St Columba's HS but it is fair to say school wasn't really for him. He was too much of a free spirit. He followed his older brother Richard into the music industry and has never looked back.

Jobson is known for his expertise in tour management and band management. He runs Michael Jobson Management (MJM Ltd), which specializes in these areas. His journey in the industry has been marked by both triumphs and hardships, contributing to his reputation as a respected figure in concert production and tour management.

23/07/2024

23/07/2024

The Garden for Heroes in Dunfermline is a memorial dedicated to the armed forces, featuring a wall with bronze plaques and an eternal flame. It provides a tranquil space for families and friends to honour and reflect on their loved ones who served, particularly those from West Fife. This garden is located near the Dunfermline Palace and Abbey, enhancing its serene atmosphere.

23/07/2024

The introduction of steam power significantly transformed employment opportunities in Dunfermline's linen mills:
Steam-powered looms led to a massive expansion in the workforce. By 1914, Dunfermline had 10 major damask linen mills employing over 7,000 people. This represents a substantial increase in job opportunities compared to the pre-steam era.

The scale of individual factories grew enormously. For example, Andrew Reid's factory at Pilmuir Works (featured in the poster below)expanded from its initial steam-powered operations in 1849 to having 200 looms by 1860. By the turn of the century, it had grown to 700 looms and employed over 1,000 people.

Steam power allowed for the creation of large-scale factories, shifting employment from small workshops to industrial settings. The Pilmuir Works, opened in 1816, was the first steam-powered weaving factory in Dunfermline, marking the beginning of this transition.

However, the nature of work changed. While steam power created more jobs overall, it also led to more repetitive and potentially hazardous factory work. There were concerns about the adverse effects of mill work, particularly on young workers.

The introduction of steam power also led to new types of jobs, such as those related to operating and maintaining the steam engines and power looms, diversifying the employment opportunities in the linen industry.

22/07/2024

The sky, a canvas of lavender and gold,
Tells stories of summer, both tender and bold,
Each shadow a memory, a whisper of light,
In the heart of the evening, it just feels right.

22/07/2024

Ollie enjoying a beautiful summer evening in his favourite place. ❤️

22/07/2024

22/07/2024

22/07/2024

Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes makes his Pj’s debut on Nov 1st.

Get your tickets now from Gigs in Scotland

21/07/2024

Online piece about the Alhambra Theatre.

Dunfermline`s Alhambra opened in August 1922, designed by architect John Fraser on a large site at the corner of Canmore Street and New Row where it continues today. It seated 1700, with room for 200 standing and initially combined film and stage production - with its stage regarded as being the fou...

21/07/2024

As yet another American golfer closes in on The Open Championship it is always worth reminding our friends across the pond of the role two of our own played in taking golf in the US.

John Reid and Robert Lockhart were both natives of Dunfermline, who played significant roles in introducing golf to the United States in the late 19th century.

John Reid, born in 1840, emigrated to the United States as a young man and settled in Yonkers, New York. He is often referred to as the "Father of American Golf" for his role in establishing the first permanent golf club in America.

Robert Lockhart, a linen buyer who frequently traveled between Scotland and the US, brought golf equipment to America in 1887. He purchased clubs from Old Tom Morris's shop in St Andrews and brought them back to the US in a golf box.

On February 22, 1888, Reid organized a demonstration of golf on a cow pasture in Yonkers using Lockhart's clubs. This event is considered the birth of American golf. Reid laid out three holes and played with John Upham, sharing Lockhart's clubs.

Later that year, on November 14, 1888, Reid formally established the Saint Andrew's Golf Club of Yonkers, with himself as the first president. This club is recognized as the oldest golf club in America and one of the five founding members of the United States Golf Association.

Both Reid and Lockhart were founding members of the Dunfermline Golf Club, with Lockhart presenting the club with the Lockhart Medal in 1888, which is still played for today.

21/07/2024

Another local success story.

Former Dunfermline High School pupil Grant Reid served as the CEO of Mars from 2014 until 2022, leading the company through a period of significant growth and transformation. During his tenure, Mars saw impressive expansion, with sales growing by over 50% to nearly $45 billion and the number of employees (called Associates at Mars) increasing from 60,000 to more than 140,000.
Reid, who was born and brought up in Kincardine had a 34-year career with Mars before stepping down as CEO. Under his leadership, Mars focused on sustainability and purpose, expanding into new areas such as veterinary health services, pet services, and healthy snacking.
Reid announced his retirement 18 months before stepping down, working closely with the board to ensure a smooth succession. He was succeeded by Poul Weihrauch, the former Global President of Mars Petcare, in September 2022.
After retiring from Mars, Reid planned to devote more time to championing climate action and sustainability. His leadership was praised for fusing performance with purpose and embedding sustainability at the heart of Mars' business strategy.

Thanks to Neil Beveridge for getting in touch.

21/07/2024

21/07/2024

The Woodmill Viaduct in Dunfermline, also known as the Bothwell Gardens Railway Viaduct, was constructed as part of the West of Fife Railway and Harbour line in 1866. This line linked the Elgin Railway and Dunfermline Branch (Edinburgh and Northern Railway). The viaduct, which is 435 feet long and 30 feet high, features 13 masonry arches, one 'blind arch,' and a girder. It likely dates from 1877 when the line south to North Queensferry opened. Since 1890, it has been part of the route from the Forth Bridge to the south.

21/07/2024

Sunday morning stroll captured. ❤️

20/07/2024

Love this song. This is a magnificent version.

20/07/2024

Today. Before the rain came.

20/07/2024

The Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing are iconic symbols of Scotland's engineering prowess.
The Forth Road Bridge, opened in 1964, so will soon be celebrating its 60th birthday. It was once the longest suspension bridge outside the U.S. and now serves as a vital public transport corridor after extensive renovations.
In contrast, the Queensferry Crossing, completed in 2017, was built to handle increased traffic demands and features advanced design elements to withstand harsh weather conditions. Together, they connect Edinburgh and Fife, showcasing Scotland's rich history and modern innovation over the Firth of Forth.

20/07/2024

The summer concert series begins today, Saturday, 20th July, at 12 noon

Frances McCafferty (Alto) and Liam Forrest (Tenor) will be in concert with Matthew Beetschen.

Free Admission

Access to the church will be limited to those wishing to attend the concert from 12noon-1pm (approximately)

19/07/2024

Today's local person done- good focusses on Dr Lea-Ann Kirkham. Originally brought up in Cairneyhill and educated at Queen Anne HS and Glasgow University, Lea-Ann is an internationally respected infectious diseases microbiologist and researcher. She co-directs the Wesfarmers Centre and is a Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia.

Dr. Kirkham's research focuses on understanding the pathogenesis of bacterial respiratory infections and developing strategies to reduce disease burden. She has expertise in infectious diseases and the development of novel therapies. As a co-leader of the Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease Group,

She contributes significantly to the field of microbiology. Her work has been widely recognised, with over 2,000 citations in academic literature. Dr. Kirkham's research interests include infectious disease microbiology, demonstrating her commitment to advancing our understanding of bacterial infections and their potential treatments.

Carry on your amazing work Lea-Ann. We are all very proud of you.

18/07/2024

A perfect spot to relax with a bite to eat and a coffee.

18/07/2024

Another local boy made good across the pond is Professor Ewan Hamilton. Born in Dunfermline and brought up in Kingseat, he was educated at Queen Anne HS and Edinburgh University before moving to the States, where he met his wife Janet. Known to many of us as wee Yogi, he is also a very talented guitarist and songwriter who actually penned a few Pars songs in the past. Janet and him are now regulars at Columbus Crew matches but his love for the Pars still burns strong.

Ewan is an Associate Professor at Ohio State University, specialising in Chemistry. He is affiliated with the Lima Campus and can be found in the Science Building. Professor Hamilton has a significant research presence, with 745 citations and 30 publications to his name and is highly regarded amongst his students and is a leading figure in the world of chemistry.

17/07/2024

Did you know that Dunfermline was home to one of Scotland's greatest medieval poets? Robert Henryson, born around 1420-30, was a schoolmaster at Dunfermline Abbey and a brilliant literary mind. He's best known for his collection of animal fables called "The Morall Fabillis of Esope the Phrygian" and his tragic poem "The Testament of Cresseid".

Henryson's works are celebrated for their vivid storytelling, sly humor, and insightful moral lessons. Though we don't know much about his life, his legacy as one of the finest early fabulists in Britain lives on. Next time you're in Dunfermline, take a moment to appreciate this local literary legend who helped shape Scottish poetry over 500 years ago!

17/07/2024

An old advert from Dunfermline Opera House.

17/07/2024

Congratulations to Dunfermline lad Dougie MacAulay and his team on becoming National Champions and best team in US Youth Soccer. Dougie has had a lot of success in his many years over there, but this probably tops the lot. Well done. We are all very proud of you Dougie.👏 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/39qjHSyfppadxWdq/

17/07/2024

🌟 Immerse Yourself in Sophie De Rose's Live Music this Saturday! ✨🎶

📅 Date: 20.07.24
🕰️ Time: 8.30pm until late
📍 Location: Amorist - 82 High St, Dunfermline, KY12 7AT
📞 Reservations: 01383 871474

16/07/2024

A different perspective.