Plans to turn Dunfermline into a “hub” for modern-day pilgrims could bring a significant tourist boost to Scotland.
The proposals were discussed during a visit by the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Sir David Clive Wilson’s interest in Fife’s pilgrims was piqued on a visit to Scotland’s ancient capital to discuss ways to turn its rich history into a “hub” of cultural activities.
He met representatives from Historic Scotland, the Abbey Church, Scottish Churches Scheme, Forth Pilgrim and Fife Tourism Network at Dunfermline Abbey in a break from the Assembly in Edinburgh.
On the agenda were ways to turn the rich narrative of Dunfermline’s past into a vibrant and engaging hub of cultural events and experiences which could link into the pilgrimage and faith tourism markets.
Lord Wilson of Tillyorn said, “The idea of pilgrimage travelling, preferably by foot, to a place of spiritual significance is, of course, a very old one. It is very good to know that old practice is being revived in Britain and on the continent.
“I see it as being something that is both a physical and a spiritual experience the journeying itself being as significant as reaching the goal. I greatly look forward to seeing how this concept is being put into practice in and around Dunfermline in a way that matches the needs of the 21st century.”
Forth Pilgrim is a social enterprise company based in Dunfermline that specialises in historic walking tours and medieval pilgrimage. Groups can follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, tracing those ancient spiritual journeys from west Fife across to St Andrews.
Ann Camus, the manager of Fife Tourism Partnership which is designed to promote Fife as a great place to visit, said, “Pilgrims were the tourists of their day and it is anticipated that faith tourism will become big business.
“Fife is well positioned to be at the centre of this lucrative market. As a result of the Lord High Commissioner’s visit we are setting up a pilgrimage tourism group to explore the opportunities for Fife.”
Dr Ian Bradley of St Andrews University is a lecturer, author, broadcaster and advisor to the Scottish Government on pilgrimage. He said pilgrimage was on the increase all over Europe as people choose to walk, as well as talk, their faith and rediscover the sacredness of place.
“Scotland can be in the fore of the expanding new faith tourist market and Fife for long the pilgrim kingdom criss-crossed with ancient pilgrim ways to Dunfermline and St Andrews should be at the heart of it,” he added.