Dunfermline granted city status by the Queen in Platinum Jubilee competition

The Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition was launched to mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty's ascent to the throne and the Auld Grey Toun has won.

It means Dunfermline has now become Scotland's eighth city and as well as the prestige of the title, it can expect economic benefits and other spin-offs too.

A record number – eight – of locations have now become cities in the first opportunity in 10 years to win the royal honour.

Dunfermline was Scotland's sole winner.

The others are: Bangor, Northern Ireland; Colchester, Doncaster and Milton Keynes from England; Douglas, Isle of Man; Stanley, Falkland Islands; and Wrexham, Wales.

Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman, said: “The official title of city will give Dunfermline the wider recognition that it deserves as one of the fastest-growing, urban areas in Scotland, offering all the amenities that any modern city could hope for.

“City status will help us grow economically and as a tourist destination and will have a positive impact on Dunfermline and the surroundings.

“Of course, the people of Dunfermline have always known that Dunfermline is a city, that’s why we have the City car park, the City Hotel and City Cabs but it’s great to finally get official recognition of this."

There were 39 competition entries from across the UK, including St Andrews, Dumfries, Elgin, Greenock, Livingston, Oban and South Ayrshire – areas were allowed to bid for the first time – from Scotland.

Stanley has become the first overseas territory to win city status and Douglas the first crown dependency.

‘Letters Patent’ will now be prepared which will confer each of the awards formally and will be presented to winners later in the year.

The provost added: "I’d like to congratulate Dunfermline and say thank you to all those who put in so much effort with the bid to get Dunfermline recognised as a city.

"And commiserations to St Andrews and all those who pulled out all the stops to put forward an excellent submission.

“We look forward to being able to say ‘officially’ – Welcome to the City of Dunfermline!"

Dunfermline and West Fife MP, Douglas Chapman, said: "After years of championing Dunfermline’s case for formal city status, I’m delighted to see it’s now been awarded and now everyone connected with Dunfermline can genuinely say: ‘We are a City!’

“This is a huge victory for our wider area too, and for everyone who takes pride in Dunfermline’s rich history, culture and heritage.

“It also comes at an exciting time for West Fife, as our constituency continues to grow and evolve – and is fast becoming one of Scotland’s most significant areas for economic growth.

“I’m grateful to everyone involved in preparing Dunfermline’s city status bid and I know the submission was powerful and compelling. My personal thanks go to our councillors who backed the bid, and to everyone who supported it.

“This is an achievement beyond our wildest dreams and today we become Scotland’s eighth city and we can all feel as proud as a Dunfermline peacock.”

The competition was judged on aspects such as civic pride, heritage, innovation, unique communities and distinct local identity, and Dunfermline's submission certainly made the most of its history and royal associations.

Indeed, many have argued that it always held city and royal burgh status, but will be glad that the Queen has finally laid that argument to rest.

Dunfermline was the ancient capital of Scotland for around 400 years, from the mid-11th century and the time of King Malcolm and Queen Margaret to 1437 when the title passed to Edinburgh.

It held royal status and is the final resting place of kings and queens, including Robert the Bruce, and boasts ancient sites such as Dunfermline Abbey and the Palace ruins, both of which are the best part of 1,000-years-old.

It's also the home town of the great philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, who was once the richest man in the world, but there's also plenty in the modern day to be proud of.

Dunfermline has been described as the fastest growing town – they'll need to change that now – in Europe with thousands of new houses on the way and a £220 million education campus being built at Halbeath.

City status is also a timely boost with Dunfermline Abbey celebrating its 950th anniversary this year, the Alhambra Theatre is marking its centenary, and there are ambitious proposals to improve Pittencrieff Park, which was gifted to the town by Carnegie.

And if they are successful with a £10m bid to the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, the High Street will be transformed and a new city square could be developed at the gap site.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “Warmest congratulations to Dunfermline on gaining city status.

"Businesses and communities alike will enjoy the benefits of this prestigious new title.

“Being awarded city status can give places a real boost, from helping grow the local economy, to raising its profile, to instilling civic pride.

“For a place with such rich royal history, it is fitting that Dunfermline is becoming a city as we celebrate our longest-serving monarch’s Platinum Jubilee.

"Its lovely green spaces and fantastic cultural attractions will ensure that this new city thrives well into the future.”

And Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "City status is a huge accolade and I congratulate our eight brilliant winners.

"This competition showcases the best of Britain and the Overseas Territories and will act as a lasting legacy of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee."

Back in 2012, to mark Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Perth, Chelmsford, Armagh and St Asaph, one town each from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, received the royal honour.

Winning city status can provide a boost to local communities and open up new opportunities for people who live there.

Research shows that Perth has reaped the full benefits with the local economy expanding by 12 per cent in the decade since it was granted city status.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said: “I am delighted that a record number of locations have been awarded the prestigious city status as part of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.

"What was clear to me during the process of assessing each application was the pride that people felt for their communities, local cultural heritage and the Royal Family.

“As we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s colossal contribution to society, I am thrilled that we are able to recognise some of the many places that make Britain great."

The winner of the competition for Lord Mayoralty status was also announced today, with Southampton winning the coveted award.

The city’s newfound status entitles the Mayor to be known as the Lord Mayor and has been granted to three cities as part of previous Jubilee Civic Honours competitions: Chester (1992), Exeter (2002) and Armagh (2012).