The City of Dunfermline Area Committee has backed plans to improve and protect the historic site.

The Dunfermline Abbey Reimagined programme sets out a long-term vision for the Abbey’s future. The plans were developed by the Heart of Dunfermline Partnership, which includes Fife Council, Historic Environment Scotland and Dunfermline Abbey Church.

Dunfermline Abbey is one of Scotland’s most important historic sites. It has been at the heart of the city’s story for almost 1,000 years.

The site includes the Abbey Nave, Abbey Church, Palace, monastery ruins and burial grounds. The new plans aim to protect these important heritage assets. They also aim to improve the visitor experience and support city centre regeneration.

The vision also supports recommendations from the Dunfermline New City Assembly. Assembly members highlighted the importance of celebrating Dunfermline’s heritage, improving cultural attractions and creating a vibrant city centre for residents and visitors.

The vision includes:

• Better access across the site
• Improved signs and visitor information
• New heritage trails and interpretation
• Better links to Pittencrieff Park and the city centre
• New spaces for events, learning and culture
• A potential visitor welcome building

The study found the Abbey could attract around 80,000 visitors each year. Current visitor numbers are around 32,000.

The programme comes ahead of two significant anniversaries. The Abbey will mark its 900th anniversary in 2028. The 700th anniversary of Robert the Bruce’s burial follows in 2029.

Parish minister Rev Dr MaryAnn Rennie said: “Dunfermline Abbey has been a home for worship and service for almost a millennium. This proposal, which explores the possibility of the Abbey Church being moved into state care, will help secure its mission and preserve its magnificent built heritage for generations to come.

“Our Kirk Session is pleased to be working in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and Fife Council in shaping this project and is encouraged by the collective intent for an active church community to remain at the heart of the site. We are excited by its potential for renewing people’s appreciation of and engagement with the church and abbey.”

Cllr Jame Calder, convener of the City of Dunfermline Area Committee, said: “Dunfermline Abbey is one of our city’s greatest assets. It is an important part of Scotland’s history and our local identity.

“These plans set out an exciting vision for the future. They would help protect the Abbey for future generations. The proposals also support the ambitions identified by local people through the Dunfermline New City Assembly. They would create new opportunities for residents, visitors and local businesses.”

Work would be delivered in phases. The first phase would focus on repairs, conservation work and accessibility improvements. Future phases would improve visitor facilities and support wider regeneration projects.

The partnership will now develop detailed proposals and seek external funding. An expression of interest has already been accepted by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Cllr Calder added: “This work shows the Abbey’s potential to support culture, tourism and economic growth. We’ll continue working with partners to develop the plans and explore funding opportunities.”