DUNFERMLINE has been named an "awesome staycation" destination for people to visit when lockdown measures are eased.

The Auld Grey Toun was picked from a line-up of destinations across the UK by digital magazine 'About Manchester'.

The website describes Dunfermline as a "hidden gem" that is a great spot for a family weekend away.

It adds that it is "ram-packed with history" and its crown jewel is Pittencrieff Park.

It even suggests visitors pop into East End Park when football resumes.

Thomas Moffat, from Visit Dunfermline, said: "This is a fantastic and highly appropriate recognition of Dunfermline, Scotland’s ancient capital.

"Visit Dunfermline has a new website launching shortly with a clear focus on our town’s world-class tourist offering and our wide and varied selection of hotels and B&Bs.

"In these difficult times, acknowledgements such as these reinforce the massive tourism potential of Dunfermline, so here’s hoping we can open our doors and welcome our visitors again very soon."

Meanwhile, Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville reminded people not to be planning a holiday just yet.

She said: "While it's great to see Dunfermline getting recommended as a potential tourist hotspot, now is not the time for people to be planning a summer getaway.

"Our efforts to transition from lockdown remain finely balanced and an influx of visitors would risk another rise in local COVID-19 cases.

"I know Dunfermline would welcome sharing its fascinating history and beautiful public spaces – but only once it is safe to do so."

Douglas Chapman, SNP MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, said: “It is fantastic to see Dunfermline and West Fife recognised across the country for the attractions it has and providing an alternative for people looking for a few days away from home.

“Dunfermline and West Fife has such a rich history and so many stories to tell but local hotels, B&Bs, agri-tourism and other tourist-based businesses have had a torrid time of late through the COVID pandemic.

"We are not there yet as the virus is still in our communities but, as restrictions are eased, I am sure there will be many of us who want to take breaks in Scotland, to appreciate our scenery, enjoy our food and to better understand our history.”