King Charles and the Queen Consort visit Dunfermline - Scotland's newest city
Published on 3 October 2022
Scotland's newest city has been blessed by the Moderator of the General Assembly.
Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields prayed to God that Dunfermline is a place where "justice is loved, unity experienced and all people feel valued, cared for and respected".
The Moderator, the minister of St Margaret's Community Church in Dunfermline, today attended a special council meeting with His Majesty King Charles and the Queen Consort to mark the historic occasion.
The new monarch handed over the Papers Patent to confirm the new status on the former town which is now Scotland's eighth city.
Dunfermline's city status bid as part of the late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee was based on its historic status after King Malcolm III established Dunfermline as a new seat for royal power in the mid-11th century.
Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the Royal couple arrive at Dunfermline's City Chambers for what is His Majesty's first official engagement since ascending to the throne following the death of Her Majesty the Queen last month.
King Charles and the Queen Consort were welcomed by pipers and entertained by the Dunfermline Junior Choir.
Dr Greenshields said: "We are indebted to her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth for conferring, as part of her Jubilee Celebrations, city status on Dunfermline – the Auld Grey Toon.
"A Toon no longer.
"It is a privilege that this ancient capital of Scotland has been honoured in this way and it is a joy for us to gather with His Majesty King Charles to celebrate this significant moment in the history of Dunfermline.
"Let us turn to God in this act of dedication.
"As this unique and ancient place becomes a city, we pray that it will prosper.
"We pray for its leaders that you might be generous in the wisdom you impart to them as they serve this community.
"We pray for all those who learn and work in our schools and college, those in the medical and social care professions, those who keep us safe, for industry and commerce, places of leisure and socialisation, places of worship spiritual, community care and for individuals and families.
"May this be a place where justice is loved, unity experienced and all people feel valued, cared for and respected.
"May Dunfermline flourish and we pray that peace dwells within its boundaries and in the hearts of all its people.
"To you, the God who is full of care and compassion and who listens to our requests, hear and grant this our prayer for Dunfermline city."
The ceremony was also attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, Robert Balfour, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack MP and Jim Leishman, the Provost of Fife, who accepted the official documents from King Charles.
The King and Queen Consort then visited Dunfermline Abbey to mark its 950th anniversary.
They were greeted by Rev MaryAnn Rennie, minister of the Abbey Church.
Representatives from a large and diverse number of community groups and clubs gathered at the church to meet the Royal couple, who were accompanied by Dr Greenshields.
The late Queen Elizabeth visited Dunfermline Abbey in 1972 to mark its 900th anniversary.
Laid to rest there are some of Scotland's great kings and queens – including Robert the Bruce.
The abbey's great nave is also the most visually stunning example of Romanesque architecture in Scotland.
Built in Gothic Revival style, the Abbey Church was dedicated in September, 1821.
Community celebration
Speaking after King Charles and the Queen Consort visited the church, Mrs Rennie said: "It was an exciting day and they got a warm reception from the crowds who cheered as they arrived.
"As they entered the church they were met by the Moderator and representatives from Historic Environment Scotland and Visit Scotland which was part of the group that put in the city status bid.
"Everyone who had gathered in the nave to wait for the King and Queen Consort to arrive were excited.
"They felt it was a unique opportunity to be celebrated for being part of the community and people gathered were a good cross-section of those who participate in community life in Dunfermline.
"We were initially told that King Charles would only be meeting people in the nave but he went all the way through to the church so it was just as well that we polished the Bruce tomb."
