THE new Dunfermline Delivers leadership are promising an “open and transparent” approach in their bid to make the town a more attractive place to visit, shop and do business.

Chairman Lloyd Pitcairn and vice-chairman Neil Mackie have spoken candidly about the need for the 400-plus levy-payers to be consulted and included more.

The Business Improvement District (BID) company Dunfermline Delivers has been in existence since 2009 and the duo believe it has made real progress, although some members still feel disenfranchised.

Mr Pitcairn said: “We’ve got to be seen as being more transparent. We want people to act together as a unit rather than individually.

“We’ll use the abilities and talents of our members and if there’s a task needing to be done we want to encourage and empower people to go ahead and do it. 

“We are looking to have a board of doers rather than simply nodding through pre-made decisions.”

Mr Mackie added: “We want members to take ownership. There are no hidden agendas, Dunfermline Delivers will be inclusive to all and fresh ideas will be welcomed with open arms. 

“Indeed, one of our objectives is to review the business plan to be evolving and fit for purpose – this also includes making the board more inclusive.

“If you feel you have something to bring, we want to hear from you. The strength is not what we can do for your business but rather what we can achieve together.”

The new men replace Bill Fletcher and Alan Mutter, who stood down earlier this year. 

Mr Pitcairn, 55, who runs a genealogy business in Chalmers Street, laughs that no matter what he does in his own right he’s known in the town as the son of Sheila Pitcairn, the well-known local historian and heritage campaigner.

Mr Mackie, 48, has been the manager of the Kingsgate Shopping Centre for 18 years and at the centre of retail matters in Dunfermline for nearly two decades.

Asked about the immediate task facing them, he said: “The biggest issue right now is that some members feel disconnected or, indeed worse, excluded. Our aim is to listen to everyone’s voice and be inclusive to all views and initiatives.

“If members feel they’ve been kept in the dark, we’re throwing the doors open. We’re happy to go and speak to anyone who has questions about what we’re doing.”

Mr Mackie continued: “Dunfermline has to work for all business sectors.
“We’ve all got a vested interest in this old town and by coming together we can have a destination for visitors and businesses alike that we can be justifiably proud of.”

“We’d like to pay tribute to work done by Michael Maloco in his time as chair. We’d also thank Bill Fletcher and Alan Mutter for their time in charge.

“It was an important period in winning the re-ballot and stabilising the BID company.”

The full Dunfermline Delivers board of directors is: Lloyd Pitcairn, Neil Mackie, Hazel Mapelson, Joe Bell, Councillor Helen Law, Councillor Joe Rosiejak, Provost Jim Leishman, Craig Adamson, Danielle McRorie-Smith, Alby Grainger and Nihat Oymak.

What would you like to see the new team deliver for Dunfermline? Join the debate by posting a comment below.