Dunfermline attraction receives 5-star rating from VisitScotland

2nd July 2018

A spectacular museum and gallery in the heart of Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter has become the Fife town’s first five-star attraction.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, which officially opened last year, has achieved VisitScotland’s top quality award.

Following a Quality Assurance visit by the national tourism organisation, the attraction received an ‘exceptional’ score in categories such as hospitality and friendliness, cleanliness and core experience.

Heather Stuart, Fife Cultural Trust’s Chief Executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded Visit Scotland five-star status, particularly in our first year of operation. This is a first for the Trust and indeed the town. We can’t wait to see the benefits of what this rare and prestigious accolade will bring to our venue, Dunfermline and Fife’s burgeoning tourism offering as a whole.”

Tracy McCafferty, Venue Manager, said: “This is all testament to our dedicated teams from various areas of Fife Cultural Trust – from the frontline to our volunteers and the excellent café provided by Heaven Scent – who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively to ensure every element of the visitor experience is everything it can be.”

Named as ‘Scottish Building of the Year’, the stunning structure links with the world’s first Carnegie Library and houses a new museum, exhibition galleries, a local history reading room, a new children’s library and mezzanine café.

It has been praised for bringing Dunfermline’s past to life through a series of special films, inspiring interviews, engaging computer games and collections.

Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said: “Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries is a sterling addition to Fife’s tourism offering, sharing the town’s remarkable and important history with visitors from far and wide.

“To achieve a 5-star grading is a fantastic achievement and my congralutations go to all the staff who have made this possible.

“Our Quality Assurance Scheme is world-leading and provides a trusted, independent and impartial source of information for visitors. It is about much more than just a star rating – it is about the entire visitor experience.”

Developed over the last four decades in partnership with the tourism industry and informed by visitor research, VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance schemes are world-leading. QA stars alongside online reviews give visitors a balance of objective and subjective views to assist in their decision making and expectations

As well as obtaining a 5-star grading, Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries has become a member of the VisitScotland Information Partner (VIP) programme.

Launched in 2016, the innovative VIP programme, which boasts almost 2000 ambassadors, harnesses the local knowledge, warmth and enthusiasm of partners across the country to help visitors receive the warmest of welcomes and make the most of their trip to Scotland.

The initiative comes as a direct response to significant changes in visitor behaviour in the last five years, with people now using a variety of channels to access the information they need where they need it, whether it be online, on their phone or in person.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, Convener of Fife Council’s Community & Housing Services Committee, commented: “Since its opening last year it has been clear that Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries is a spectacular addition to Dunfermline's Heritage Quarter. The cultural offering for visitors, from both near and far, is outstanding and I’m extremely pleased that it is being recognised with this accolade.”

Cllr Helen Law, Convener of the City of Dunfermline Area Committee, added: “This wonderful facility is helping to raise the visitor attraction offering of Dunfermline to levels befitting the country's ancient capital. There’s an excitement and feeling of pride from residents and businesses about the opportunities that DCL&G brings to the table. This five star rating is the latest in a line of impressive honours for the building and the staff here that champion it so well.”

For more information about Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries visit: www.onfife.com/venues/dunfermline-carnegie-library-galleries

To learn more about VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme visit: www.visitscotland.org/business_support/quality_assurance.aspx

Our premier partners...