A consultation to secure the future of a historic abbey, home to the remains of King Robert the Bruce, has begun as it faces an “eye-watering” £8 million in development costs. Dunfermline Abbey, which attracts over 40,000 visitors annually according to the Church of Scotland, is more than 950 years old.
It requires £4 million worth of repairs over the next three to five years to remain wind and watertight. But local church leaders predict an additional £4 million will be needed to upgrade facilities from estimates based on surveys conducted by specialist companies.
An exhibition showcasing the church’s role in the local community and its history will be held at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries from March 22 to April 6. Visitors can share their thoughts on its future and are invited to a discussion at the building on April 5 about proposals to preserve it for future generations.
The kirk, which receives no public funding, has established a JustGiving page for donations. The Abbey, founded by Queen Margaret in the 11th century, is often compared to Westminster Abbey in London and the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris.
Rev Dr MaryAnn Rennie said: “These are eye-watering sums of money. We have a congregation of 425 and up until now, the burden has fallen on them to fund repairs and improvements as well as secure small grants from funding bodies such as The Carnegie (Dunfermline) Trust.
“However, this is an unsustainable funding model. Congregations of buildings of national importance should not be solely responsible for the bulk of repair, maintenance and sustainability of a historic building of this standing.
“Our church building is a unique icon and the tower, with the lettering King Robert the Bruce, is a landmark and synonymous with the city. Our rich history attracts visitors and pilgrims from all over the world.
“That’s why we are opening a conversation with the local community, key organisations and those with an interest about how we go forward with the building.”
Queen Margaret’s son, King David I, funded an extension that transformed it into a Benedictine Abbey. In 1320, King Robert the Bruce financed the completion and enhancements of the monastery and guesthouses, while in the 1560s Queen Mary supported significant development works to the palace and nave.
In October 2022, King Charles made one of his first official engagements at the site following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, marking Dunfermline’s status as Scotland’s eighth and newest city.
Ms Rennie expressed her hope the people of Dunfermline and beyond would support the preservation of the historic building. She said: “It has a place in people’s hearts, but we have to move the building forward. It’s no longer enough to have it only as a place of worship.”
“We want to ensure it continues to fulfil its original intent of being a space for community, refuge and education at the heart of Dunfermline for the town, visitors and pilgrims for the foreseeable future.
“However, to achieve this we need to not only repair the building to keep it wind and water-tight but also adapt it whilst also maintaining its dignity and historical features.
“A lift, up-to-date heating and lighting, more toilets, meeting rooms for community groups and church groups to use, flexible seating provision that allows a range of events to take place.
“We want this building to be at the heart of Dunfermline and we want everyone with a connection to the city, whether a distant relative of Robert the Bruce, a tourist, a pilgrim, a resident or a member of the congregation, to come with us on this journey.”
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