CONCERNS that Dunfermline's "magnificent attractions" could be missed after proposals to re-open the tourist information hub were rejected have been raised by the city's MSP.

The visitor centre closed in 2017 and Shirley-Anne Somerville has spoken of her disappointment that it will not be reinstated by VisitScotland.

She had written to the tourism body to ask if the situation could be re-examined, but was told that online content would remain more cost effective.

Shirley-Anne said: "Dunfermline - and indeed the wider West Fife area - is home to many magnificent attractions and I feel it is important that we do everything we can to showcase these to visitors from across Scotland and around the globe.

"Now that Dunfermline is a city, it's expected we will be welcoming more tourists in the years ahead and I know there has been growing interest in having a physical location for them to access further information.

"Unfortunately, Visit Scotland have made it clear they have no plans to re-introduce a tourism hub in Dunfermline, which I know will come as a real disappointment to many.

"I remain committed, though, to continue working alongside local stakeholders to help promote our wonderful city and share the story of Scotland's Ancient Capital."

A VisitScotland spokesperson said the company had been in communication with Ms Somerville.

They added: "The way visitors access information both ahead of and during their trips to Scotland has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now preferring to use digital channels.

"We have responded to these changes by providing information to visitors through a variety of channels including our consumer website VisitScotland.com, social media channels, customer service team, regional iCentre hubs and network of local partners.

"This helps us to reach more people and enables us to encourage them to stay longer and spend more. This in turn supports the growth of the visitor economy.

"We work hard to showcase Dunfermline and the wider West Fife area and work closely with local tourism businesses and partners, such as Dunfermline & West Fife Local Tourism Association and Dunfermline Heritage Partnership to ensure that the messaging is correct.

"We have a dedicated Dunfermline page on our consumer website and the city has also recently featured in targeted email, consumer PR and social media content."