Dunfermline has secured nearly £200,000 of funding from Scottish Enterprise to enhance its tourist experience.

The funding will help create guided tours across Dunfermline and west Fife, using state of the art digital technology.

The visitor experience will also improve with new regular professional walking tours pointing out the town's hidden gems and there will be finances to help businesses to work closely together so they can generate more tourism revenue.

Danny Cusick, Director, Food & Drink, Tourism & Textiles at Scottish Enterprise said: "Research has shown that visitors in Scotland are looking for true, authentic experiences.

"Dunfermline and wider Fife, has significant ancient royal connections, and this project, through the use of digital technologies and business collaboration will help to further develop the tourism offering that attracts both UK and international visitors".

The new award-winning Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Gallery has already attracted 190,000 visitors. The hit TV series Outlander continues to attract tourists, and the release of the Outlaw King, the movie about Robert the Bruce, starring Hollywood actor Chris Pine, will shine the spotlight on the area.

The funding is being matched by members of the Dunfermline Heritage Partnership and the Heartlands of Fife Local Tourist Association, bringing the total to £339,567, to be managed by one of the lead partners, Fife Cultural Trust. Other partners include Fife Council and Dunfermline Delivers. 

Councillor Helen Law, Fife Council said: "We've seen how the development of tours, such as North Coast 500, can help drive tourism.

"With eight self-guided tours, around themes such as Kings and Queens, Pilgrimage, linen & damask and children's tours, Dunfermline and the Heartlands, can attract more tourists.

"Businesses will be able to access better information, and, by working together, can benefit from longer stays by visitors to West Fife."

Since the Dunfermline Heritage Partnership was formed in 2016, it has been looking at how to establish and grow Dunfermline, and the surrounding area, as an attraction for tourists. Fundraising has been underway to put the building blocks in place and the DHP was pleased to announce, in addition to this award of £200,000 from Scottish Enterprise, funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Government, bringing the total investment in the area to £783,977.