King Charles visits Scotland: Dunfermline granted city status

Dunfermline has officially become a city after a ceremony attended by King Charles on Monday. 

The new monarch officially conferred city status on the former town in a ceremony in Dunfermline city chambers.

Attended by both the King and Queen Consort Camilla, the event marked the first joint public engagement since the royal mourning ended.

The King said he was “delighted” when it was announced the town would become a city.

He said he hoped people would feel a “real sense of pride in this new chapter”.

READ MORE: King and Queen Consort Camilla to visit Dunfermline

The letters patent confirming Dunfermline formally awarded city status

Crowds of people cheered as the royals arrived at the city chambers, with the new monarch greeted by a party including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and local Provost Jim Leishman.

Residents of Scotland’s newest official city said it was a “historic” day as Dunfermline gained the new title. 

PA

Bill Henderson, 71, said: “It’s a historic event.

“I was born just before the Queen was came to the throne, so she’s been my monarch my whole life. It’s just exciting.

“And especially a King Charles coming back to Dunfermline when King Charles the First was born here, however long ago that was.”

Teacher Carol Williams, 52, said: “it’s such an honour for Dunfermline to be his first visit as the new King.”

Following the official council meeting, the royals visited Dunfermline Abbey to mark its 950th anniversary.

A local MP also welcomed the city title, Douglas Chapman MP said “This official recognition has been a long time coming but once we have enjoyed the day when City status has been bestowed on us, that’s when the hard work needs to begin.

“This cannot be a mere change in signage, but it is a great opportunity for Dunfermline to grow a sustainable, smart City economy that gives hope, purpose and prosperity to current and future citizens. 

“As Scotland’s 8th City, we are ideally placed to make the most of this exciting opportunity and at the heart of this process should be the people who live here. It’s their City…let’s make it work for all of us.”