Dunfermline Abby and Town

After returning from the island on Loch Leven to the town of Kinross, I caught a bus headed to Dunfermline, the ancient capital of Scotland.  The two crowns of Scotland and England were united in 1603, under the monarchy of Mary Queen of Scot’s son, James VI.  Until that time, Dunfermline was the centre of politics for the nation, and, like St Andrews, a destination for many spiritual pilgrims.  Today it remains a thriving city, and, within easy reach of Edinburgh and Fife, enjoys its fair share of present day pilgrims.

A number of ancient attractions remain from Dunfermline’s glory days, the most prominent of which is the Dunfermline Abbey.  In the photo below, you are standing with your back to the Abby and are facing the town centre.

Behind you is this, the tower of the parish church with the words King Robert The Bruce cut into the stonework. 

Robert the Bruce is perhaps the most famous monarchical name associated with the Abbey, primarily because it is where he, amongst numerous other royal figures of Scotland’s past, is interred.  Unlike the other kings and queens of the past, however, King Robert the Bruce is entombed in the most prestigious of places—immediately below the pulpit of the church. 

The former monarch rests below the pulpit, but also below this magnificent stained glass window at the front of the church.  It strikes me as very unique in its colour combinations and tone, being not the bright blues and reds often creating the stunning scenes of windows, but the more sedated, almost earthy tones that carry a richness often not seen in churches.

Below is a photo taken inside the ancient abbey—another building that creates a sense of awe in every pilgrim that steps through her double doors.

Along with the abbey stands the remains of the Benedictine monastery that once stood on the grounds.  It is almost entirely in ruins, but this glimpse into the dining area gives a sense of the magnitude of the building when it stood entirely erect. 

While Dunfermline is most known for its abbey and monastery, the tomb of King Robert the Bruce amongst others, it is also known worldwide as the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919).  In Dunfermline the tourist can see his birthplace, a museum dedicated to his life, a bronze statue of the man himself, the first Carnegie library, and this Carnegie Hall.  It pales in comparison to Manhattan’s, but is a testimony to his legacy here in his hometown nonetheless. 

Along with Andrew Carnegie, Dunfermline is also the birthplace of the British General John Forbes (1707-1759), the founder of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!  Who knew?

All in all, it was a great day trip with stunning weather, and I was glad to have made it.  Scotland really is a magnificent country with a rich and varied history, particularly for someone interested in religious history. 

And that book that I brought with?  Somehow I even managed to read a chapter of it, so the day wasn’t a complete wash for work!