THE latest stage of an initiative which will bring Dunfermline's Bruce Street back to life has been unveiled.

Vibrant shop front art installations have been created, telling the stories of the town in days gone by.

It is part of the Great Place Scheme Project which is a three-year National Lottery Heritage-funded scheme aiming to transform the street into a unique piece of 'Living Theatre'.

The window displays follow the installation of a Bobbin Canopy – a sky of lights and bobbins, cylinders used to hold thread – to recognise the street's weaving history.

One of the shopfront displays unveiled already, at number nine, celebrates artist Andrew Blair, who lived and worked in the street in the mid-19th century.

Once lockdown restrictions allow, local artist Alan Grieve will lead walking tours to Berry Law Hill so people can see the view of Blair’s most famous painting, which is now housed in the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum.

Another work of art, at number 13, displays a traditional Dunfermline Damask pattern as well as an interpretation panel. A further three premises are set to be transformed visually to enhance the Bruce Street story and help tell the story of the town.

Derek Bottom, chair of Dunfermline Heritage Partnership, said: "Bruce Street offers us the opportunity to work with local businesses and communities to develop a themed approach to create a street that tells the story of Dunfermline and brings it to life, for all to enjoy.

"The trades in the street may be different today, however, each is as much an artisan in their trade as their predecessors.“

Councillor Helen Law, convener of the City of Dunfermline area committee, added: "This fantastic project is helping to bring Bruce Street back to life, enhancing the town and creating a piece of theatre that will encourage footfall back to the shops once again after the COVID-19 restrictions ease.

"The street has a rich history of being the home for the creative industries, from framers, to jewellers, and culinary artisans."

Nicola Atkinson, from Beautiful Materials, has been the lead artist working on the Bruce Street shop designs.

She said she had been inspired by the local history and damask designs created in Dunfermline. She explained: “The designs started as a pencil drawing and then ink ready for scanning, using the same technique as Joseph Neil Paton would have used to create his designs in the 19th century.”