Dunfermline Through Time

Introduction to Dunfermline

Dunfermline is an ancient royal burgh which has played an important role in the history of Scotland. With its medieval abbey and attached royal palace, it was for long a seat of royalty.

Royal Connections

The royals with a close association with Dunfermline included the saintly Queen Margaret and King Robert the Bruce, and Charles I was born there.

Industrial Revolution

When handloom weaving gave way to the power loom and the factory system, the auld grey toun underwent a veritable revolution.

20th Century Changes

In the twentieth century, the town has undergone further significant change. In the early part of that century it benefited from the generous benefactions of its most famous son Andrew Carnegie.

Modern Growth

Thanks to its proximity to booming Edinburgh, the auld grey toun has grown in size and population.

Social and Industrial Transformation

The images in Dunfermline Through Time illustrate some of the many ways that social and industrial change has transformed the auld royal burgh.