Application 'consensus' at Dunfermline City Alliance

A UK-wide competition run by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport every four years, we could follow in the footsteps of previous winners Derry, Hull and Coventry, with Bradford taking the title for 2025.

It invites places across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland to set out their vision for culture-led regeneration, and the idea that our city should submit an application in 2034 is expected to be backed by councillors next week.

A report to the City of Dunfermline area committee explains that a 'Dunfermline City Alliance' workshop was held in October at Andrew Carnegie House and facilitated by Professor John Lennon, Dean of Glasgow School for Business and Society at Glasgow Caledonian University.

It added: "The purpose was to begin to agree a 10-year vision for Dunfermline, a set of values that represent the city and establish a clear direction for the city brand.

"It was well attended by participants from the private, public and third sectors who are passionate advocates for Dunfermline and sustaining the city for future generations.

"Those in attendance discussed and considered the lessons learned from other cities when articulating an authentic identity for the city.

"A consensus was also established regarding submitting a City of Culture bid in 2034."

The UK Government said bidding for the title of City of Culture can have a hugely positive impact on a place. (Image: Newsquest)READ MORE: Fife Council rents set to go up amid rising costs

A bid submitted that year would put the city in the running to win the award for 2037.

Dunfermline was granted city status in May 2022 by the late Queen Elizabeth II, as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

So what's changed in the two and a half years since then?

The railway station name has been changed from 'Town' to 'City' but ask the average citizen in the street and they'd be hard pushed to come up with any tangible benefits or improvements.

The city square has been delayed, the promise of £5m of Levelling Up money looks set to be withdrawn and the new status was supposed to give Dunfermline access to funds it otherwise couldn't tap into.

So far that hasn't happened.

However, the council say progress is being made.

A city conference was held in June 2023 to "highlight both new and existing aspirations, opportunities and actions" for the future.

Three themes were agreed: build strong and resilient communities; make Dunfermline a better place to live, work and visit; and promote and support wellbeing - although you could argue we should be pursuing these aspirations anyway, city status or not.

Scotland's eighth city, Dunfermline could be in the running for the City of Culture title in just over a decade's time. (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: 'Chap Door Run' can affect the mental health of West Fife residents, say police

To try and deliver, Dunfermline City Alliance, City Development Group, City Management Group were formed and will report back to the committee.

The alliance met in October and the development group will hold two workshops this month in the new Abbeyview Community Hub.

They'll discuss a 10-year culture investment plan for Dunfermline, new cultural initiatives and "imbed the ethos of the vision, values and brand, as well as the city of culture bid".

Another aim will be to create "a roadmap of activities".

The management group are looking at city centre improvements and enhancement projects while the Electoral Reform Society and the council are working towards the creation of a Dunfermline Citizen’s Assembly.