DUNFERMLINE has been named as the best community in Scotland.

A poll of 3,000 UK adults, commissioned by Spar and carried out by Arlington Research, has named Dunfermline as the third-top community in the UK, with only Norwich in England and Neath Port Talbot in Wales coming in above our city.

Billy George, director of Visit Dunfermline commented: "I just think it's fantastic, it is great to hear some positive news in recognition for the community groups and all the things that go on with the council.

"It is too easy to concentrate on the negatives at times but with the whole city status thing, it's positive and I think it should instil a sense of civic pride and hopefully from that, other community projects can spring up!"

The research revealed what the public find important in a great community. It found that 57 per cent said nurturing their neighbourhood was important to them, 28 per cent said that good neighbours were vital, while 22 per cent said having a sense of belonging and 11 per cent said free green spaces.

In Dunfermline, 80 per cent of participants spoke about our amazing green spaces, visiting them regularly. The research also showed that 63 per cent of mothers and children attended activities in Dunfermline, such as baby sensory classes, the Scouts, Brownies and book clubs.

Billy continued: "I love the Glen, I absolutely love it, taking photographs there. I just think it's a great space and I think during the lockdown we found out how important these spaces are for our mental health."

It isn't just activities and parks that make Dunfermline great, the survey also found that 52 per cent of respondents in Dunfermline loved the nightlife in the new city.

The live music, performances and entertainment are what makes it a great night out and with the poll showing that 67 per cent of UK adults find pub quizzes their favourite event, they won't be disappointed as there's plenty of them as well.

"I think there's room for improvement, if we're number three then maybe that's where we should be but there's certainly no reason why we can't be number one in the future!" Billy added.

To give communities a chance to get to number one, Spar have launched their £100,000 Community Cashback Scheme which offers grants to fund programmes, social clubs and charities across the community.

Suzanne Dover, Spar UK brand and marketing director, added: “Our Spar stores around the UK believe in nurturing their neighbourhoods and supporting the communities they serve, and we are delighted to be able to supplement their local efforts with this national campaign.

"This report shows exactly what makes a community and how important things like links with local shops are to help build this connection. Times are tough for charity and support groups who are looking to fundraise at the moment, and it is great that the £100,000 Community Cashback Scheme can provide deserving local organisations with some extra financial help at this time."