Dunfermline should be the “New Capital” for innovation, investment and economic growth in Fife while delivering excellent public services for communities, according to a local Councillor.
Scottish Labour Councillor Graeme Downie made the comments after speaking to Cllr. David Ross, Leader of Fife Council, who returned from a three-day event in London last week where Dunfermline was centre stage as Scotland’s newest city, with no shortage of interest in bringing new investment to the area.
As Scotland’s ancient capital and a rich heritage, from the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie to ship-building on the Forth, alongside current investment from the likes of Sky UK, Sainsbury’s Bank and FMC Technologies and with the future potential for manufacturing at the Arrol Gibb Innovation Campus (AGIC) in Rosyth and the recent announcement of a Green Freeport designation, Cllr. Downie believes the pieces are all in place for Dunfermline to become a driver of the future economy of Fife.
Cllr. Ross attended Scottish Cities Week in London last week (23-26 January). The event, organised by the Scottish Cities Alliance, enables Scottish cities to showcase their investment potential to a wide range of national and international investors and developers.
Graeme Downie, Scottish Labour Councillor for West Fife & Coastal Villages, said:
“It is time for the people of Dunfermline to be offered a vision for a new, optimistic and positive future and for that vision to be delivered.”
“We need to build on the incredible legacy of Dunfermline Labour leaders like Helen Law who worked tirelessly to secure the city status that Dunfermline so clearly deserved.”
“Dunfermline has a proud history as Scotland’s capital, as a centre for innovation, arts & culture, education, philanthropy and social change but now we have to look to the future.”
“We need to deliver the change that people in this city thirst for, to put Dunfermline at the centre of Scotland’s economic success, with public services that deliver for communities.”
Labour Councillor David Ross, Leader of Fife Council, said:
“I was very pleased to be able to represent Dunfermline at Scottish Cities Week in London last week, as Scotland’s newest city once again took its rightful place alongside the other seven Scottish cities. It was a great chance to showcase what Dunfermline has to offer in its people, skills and investment opportunities.”
“As the Labour Administration of Fife Council, one of our top priorities is to develop the local economy, encouraging growth and making sure that everyone benefits from the wealth generated within our communities. A key part of this is developing the vision for the future of Dunfermline, putting the new city at the centre of the future success of the rest of Kingdom and the wider region.”
“The Labour Council is already promoting Dunfermline as a location to attract greater investment, create growth and compete internationally. A successful Dunfermline will benefit not only City residents but it is also critical for the rest of Fife and we need to work to make that a reality.”