Dunfermline businessman Nihat Oymak has spent in excess of £700k creating a modern and contemporary 18-bedroom hotel at 82 High Street, which he is confident will appeal to tourists and business travellers alike.

With every bedroom en-suite, the new Amorist Hotel retains many character features, such as the original cornicing and window shutters. Several of the bedrooms are so spacious that they feature free standing baths.

Nihat said: “The sympathetic refurbishment of the top three floors of this building into a modern hotel has been a huge labour of love by myself, and my team. It’s taken a great deal of hard work, commitment, and, of course, budget, to create the inviting, well equipped space we now have for the City of Dunfermline.

“We started the project in 2022, planning to open the hotel in Spring 2023, but a huge and catastrophic earthquake hit my home town in Turkey in February 2023, and not only did I sadly lose several family members, but I lost properties, not to mention a great deal of money. I had to take time away from the project to return home to Turkey. But we persevered, as I really wanted to finish the hotel, so I am very proud to present the building that you see today.

“I wish to thank Provost Leishman, Shirley Anne, and the other invited guests who came along last night. I cut the ribbon with them, along with my daughters, my wife, and other family members who have all supported me in this challenging project.”

Convener of the City of Dunfermline Area Committee, Cllr James Calder, added: “This investment is fantastic news for Dunfermline and for Fife’s tourism and hospitality sector. The opening of the Amorist Hotel will strengthen the city’s appeal as a destination for short breaks and business travel, creating new jobs and supporting local businesses.

“We’re proud that the council’s Invest Fife team was able to support this development, facilitating loan funding through Business Loan Scotland to help bring this ambitious project to life.”

Commenting from VisitScotland, Caroline Warburton, destination development director, said: “Increasing the number of rooms in the city and surrounding area is important for the ongoing success of Dunfermline as a visitor destination.

“The city has much to offer for those looking for a short break full of culture, history and heritage, or a longer stay to explore Fife and the wider region. The Amorist Hotel will be a welcome addition and help encourage those overnight stays.”