HISTORIC Dunfermline is entering a “whole new chapter” – and could become a major tourism destination.

Efforts are under way to develop the hospitality and heritage sectors in the ancient royal capital of Scotland. It was home to King Malcolm III, who defeated Macbeth, while the body of Robert the Bruce’s body was buried at its abbey.

Other historic and cultural attractions include Pittencrieff Park, St Margaret’s Cave, Abbey House and the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum. Musicals, theatre and more are on offer at the busy Alhambra Theatre.

Meanwhile, Fife Council says the under-construction Queensferry Crossing will help “attract visitors all year round”.

The grassroots Cruise Forth initiative aims to capitalise on increased passenger numbers from ships visiting the River Forth, with around 120 vessels due to deliver an estimated 145,000 passengers to the Fife and Tayside areas.

Councillor Jean Hall Muir, who represents the Dunfermline Central ward and helps lead the local area committee, says increased activity from local artists, craftspeople and musicians will further boost the town’s fortunes.

Citing a thriving grassroots music scene and the success of artists’ studios at the Fire Station Creative gallery and hub, she said: “For a long time the town faced the same decline that quite a lot of town centres around Scotland did.

“It relied on outside help – ‘if we could only get the Tesco, if we could only get big industry’.

“Creative people are now coming through and crafting a whole new chapter in Dunfermline’s story.”

She went on: “For a long time Dunfermline had the identity it had been ‘left’ – the coal mining left, the mills left, everybody left us. That is turning around and it’s a very organic and a very local effort.

“It feels very collaborative and very community-focused.”

The first-time councillor, who has a masters degree in architectural conservation, is passionate about the town’s built heritage.

This includes the new Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, which was recently named best large project by Edinburgh Architectural Association.

The massive contemporary extension links to the world’s first Carnegie Library and sits within the town’s Heritage Quarter, which contains many A and B listed historic buildings including Dunfermline Palace.

Originally from the US, Hall Muir relocated after meeting her Scottish husband while on a trip here.

The couple, who have two children, set up home in Edinburgh before settling in Dunfermline.

A former community council chairwoman, she says the area has what it takes to compete on the world stage and must capitalise on its importance in Scotland’s story, and on its international links.

These include connections with her American homeland, where businessman and philanthropist Carnegie built his empire.

Hall Muir said: “What we found here was just a fantastic community and a wealth of international-calibre sites, parks and beaches.

“If you asked the average Scot if they know about Dunfermline, the answer would probably be no.

“It is invisible to a lot of people but we are creating momentum.”