International cruise passengers are boosting Dunfermline’s economy.
With an increased number of cruise ships docking at Rosyth, Scotland’s ancient capital is well placed to benefit from increased tourism revenue, according to Peter Wilson, manager of the Cruise Forth Project.
For the last three years the volunteers’ programme has been working with liners to encourage passengers to explore historic Dunfermline.
Volunteers from the initiative meet and greet passengers and accompany visitors on the free shuttle bus, funded by Fife Council, to Dunfermline town centre where they are free to explore attractions.
The feedback from visitors has been so positive that cruise operators are getting behind the initiative, promoting it to passengers and in some cases contributing to the cost of the shuttle bus.
This week has been particularly busy, with an estimated 200 passengers visiting Dunfermline and, according to Mr Wilson, businesses are already benefiting as visitors return to the ships with bulging shopping bags.
Welcoming the findings, Fife Council depute leader Lesley Laird said: “This is a great example of partnership working.
“Peter and his team of local people have really put their heart and soul into this project and their efforts are paying off for Dunfermline.”
Mr Wilson said: “According to CruiseBritain, over a million passengers visit UK ports each year and with Rosyth on Dunfermline’s doorstep we are well placed to benefit by making our city a welcoming place for visitors.
“The request by the ship this week that the volunteers extend the service we provide to bring visitors up to Dunfermline provides significant reassurance that the effort to promote the town to the cruise market on the River Forth is paying dividends.”
However, with significant competition from Edinburgh and other destinations, he believed more must be done to ensure Dunfermline continued to maximise opportunities. “Other cities have bespoke offers, place welcoming signs on shop windows and brief staff so they know to expect cruise passengers.
“This can make all the difference when gaining positive feedback, which in turns creates momentum.”
BIDs company Dunfermline Delivers chief executive Maggie Mitchell is supportive of the initiative.
“We have been working with Peter to support the Cruise Forth Project, which has not only the potential to boost tourism revenue for BID members but also to raise the profile of Dunfermline.”
Any businesses interested in supporting the initiative should contact Ms Mitchell at Maggie@connectingwithyou.com.