Cruise Forth welcomes over 600 passengers to Dunfermline

The Oceania cruise liner Sirena docked on the Forth and guests were transported into Dunfermline on three shuttle coaches.

Peter Wilson, who leads the Cruise Forth project, said: "The role of the local volunteers is critical to the success of the project.

"Time and again we hear words of appreciation for the local advice about, what to see and do, in and around Dunfermline.

"We are also well supported by the staff in local attractions, shops and restaurants."

There were numerous testimonials left on the Cruise Forth website by those who had enjoyed their trip to Dunfermline. 

Stephen and Rhonda Ward, from Brisbane in Australia, said: "A special place in our memories has been carved out by this sliver of beauty nestled in the rolling hills north of Edinburgh.

"Overshadowed by the capital, Edinburgh, this often forgotten jewel of medieval and modern history is a story that we listened to and loved from the beginning to the end." 

Cruise ship passengers who visited Dunfermline said they were impressed with what the ancient capital had to offer. (Image: Cruise Forth)

Paul and Margaret Nix said: "Dunfermline was definitely worth visiting and even more enjoyable than our afternoon tour to Edinburgh on August 24 where the crowds were extreme, making group touring very difficult and less enjoyable.

"We spent two half days mainly in the Glen but also visiting the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie, the library/museum and the Abbey and old palace."

Another visitor, Susanna, said the ancient capital was a "delightful surprise" and went on: "We loved walking through the pedestrian area to the Abbey and castle and on to Carnegie' s birth house and museum."

Cruise Forth welcomed more than 600 passengers at Rosyth at the weekend. (Image: Cruise Forth)

Cruise Forth began in Rosyth in 2011, promoting Dunfermline to cruise passengers.

The initiative has grown each year and in 2024, more than 50 welcome volunteers will meet passengers from more than 140 cruises at the ports of Rosyth, South Queensferry, Newhaven and Leith.

A courtesy shuttle is provided at Rosyth but at the other ports, the opportunity is taken to promote Dunfermline to those guests who may have visited Edinburgh previously.

Cruise Forth became a company in 2022 and is funded by partners across east central Scotland, including Fife Council and the Fife Tourism Partnership.