A NORTH QUEENSFERRY author has penned a new book which features Dunfermline’s Burgh history.

Patricia Dennison’s revealing text tells the story of urban development in Scotland over the course of the millennium.

The evolution of urban life, in its different guises, is detailed throughout ‘The Evolution of Scotland’s Towns: Creation, Growth and Fragmentation’.

“Nothing defines the history of the ordinary person in Scotland better than the history of our towns,” she said.

“That history cannot be written without the rich resources of local archives and the professional expertise of their archivists.

“The thing that interests me about Dunfermline and which is quite contentious is deciding where the original burgh was – I favour the Nethertown area, although others disagree.

“One of the outstanding features of medieval Dunfermline was the influence of the Abbey and the fantastic medieval water power system. This system was the basis of many of the mills in Dunfermline until the 19th century.”

The book covers the time period from the 11th century all the way to the end of the 20th and carries extensive footnotes, references and an index – important signs of authoritative non-fiction.

Patricia added: “Having compiled over 30 individual burgh surveys, I could see many themes and events that were repeated in several of the towns, although maybe at different stages of development, and I could see that the thematic approach may be useful for students and local historians.

"It might be said that this is the first book of its kind to cover the subjects across Scotland and in such depth.

“I have used Fife’s archives and resources quite extensively and may return to Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries in the New Year to work with other volunteers, examining some archive records for the first time.

"I contacted national bodies but I found that the local authorities all over Scotland were extremely helpful in supplying images and information, and the access to the historical records they hold was vital for the coverage.

“I was also fortunate in having permission from several individuals to reproduce their paintings and photographs. In fact – in the end – the amount of evidence available to me was my biggest challenge.

“I’m extremely pleased that Edinburgh University Press have seen its value not only as an academic text but also as a social history book.”

The Evolution of Scotland’s Towns: Creation, Growth and Fragmentation is available online at Edinburgh University Press for £24.99.