Halfway House Hotel

The Little Village which disappeared

by scottishvisitor

Having some time left after re discovering Dunfermline, the sun continued to shine, we decided to visit Glencraig the tiny village where I was born. Travelling the few miles through long forgotten towns which haven't changed or improved we came to the sign post 'Welcome to Glencraig'. There was never much in the village but today there are only two houses remaining. What a surprse met our eyes this area has seen happy changes from the scars left by coal mining, transformed into Lochore Medows Country Park. The pit bings which ringed the villages have long since been removed, replaced over time by some serious tree planting and the addition of a little sandy beach on the shore of Loch Ore. The country park offeres lots of activiities for all, an adventure playground for children, visitor's centre and cafe, fishing, horse riding from the stables and for me long walks around the beautiful loch shore. The tribute to the Mary Pit Head now incast in concrete to protect the steel structure and the little coal engine are a lasting reminder to the past and its people remembered now in a place of great beauty.

Andrew Carnegie Home

by Tom_Fields

Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was born in Dunfermline, and emigrated to America as a young boy. He eventually made a vast fortune in the steel industry.

While lacking formal education, he became a huge benefactor of schools, libraries, and all manner of cultural institutions. Carnegie will always be remembered as a great philanthropist.

His home in Dunfermline is one of the town's main attractions. It's a modest place, but has some fine exhbits on this extraordinary man.

Free Museum in the Park

by scottishvisitor

Pittencrief House used to be a favourite with us when we were kids, in those days the museum had displays on most of the floors in this fine old mansion. I used to love the wild life section which detailed the wild cats, foxes and many other stuffed animals encased in glass. The lady who welcomed us asked had we been before, I told her we had many years ago, she apologised for the lack of displays (only on the first floor now). They only had a small section on nature but on the plus side the parks history was wonderfully show cased through photography with old black & white photos of happy children enjoying sunny days. It is still worth a look and entrance is free but sadly you can no longer climb the old spiral stair case - sometimes health & safety rules spoil things.

City & Royal Burgh of Dunfermline

by brianclark

"Ancient Scottish Capital"

Dunfermline was once home to the Kings of Scotland following their Coronations at Scone, Perthshire.

At least 6 Scottish Kings & Queens are buried in Dunfermline Abbey.

The body of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots lies under a 2m brass plate at the Altar, You may visit anytime a Church Service is not taking place.

King David, son of King Malcolm Canmore & Queen Margaret started trading with Brugge in 12th Century which brought Lace making to the town.

"Pittencrief Park Dunfermline"

Gifted to the City by Andrew Carnegie for all time and maintained by his Trust.

"Black Watch parade"

The Black Watch Regiment marched through towns in Fife to thank the people for their support.

A Supersonic Day Out!

by carfan

"The Concorde Experience"

The Museum of Flight is part of the National Museums of Scotland. It is located at East Fortune, which is about an hours drive from Dunfermline. Its well worth the drive even if you only see Concorde.

YOU MUST PRE BOOK TICKETS IF YOU WANT TO GO ON BOARD CONCORDE. They only allow a certain number of "passengers" onboard per day. You cant just turn up and expect to get on, but you can walk round Concorde and a small exhibition.

"Concorde Comes to Stay in Scotland."

On the 24th October 2003, Concorde touched down for the last time. Having been re launched in 2001 by British Airways and Air France, unforseen events such as September 11 and the down trend in worldwide air travel didnt help Concorde's future. With spaces on board flights and the fleet becoming old, Concorde was forced in to retirement.

The NM of Flight had to fight hard to secure Concorde but beat 60 other bidders. They then faced the problem of getting Concorde from Heathrow to East Fortune.

The jouney home took 16 days! Concorde Alpha Alpha was taken by boat thru London, then a 38 wheeled remote controlled low-loader brought her home to Scotland.

A 23 week programme of reconstruction saw her restored to her former glory for all to see.

"On Board!"

When you book your tickets you will be allocated a boarding time as only a few visitors are allowed on the plane at any time.

You will be given a handset which gives you a commentary to accompany the tour. Its excellent, its a mixture of facts and figures told by staff, ex travellers on Concorde but most of it is from an ex Concorde Pilot. Its suitable for all ages.At each point on the tour, you move the commentary on using the handset,which is very easy to use.

The first part of the tour takes you in to the passenger area.

"The Cockpit."

You move thru the plane to areas like the galley for the crew, etc. The cockpit is on view but screens prevent you entering. It doesnt lend itself to good photographs!

Then you come outside and look around the plane, again giving you various facts and data.

I wouldnt say i was a plane fan but i really enjoyed the Visit.

"More than Concorde"

The Museum consists of 4 hangars, which apart from Concorde, house a number of aircraft, helicopters and other aviation items.

The hangars are quite spread out and it can be quite windy, but there's a nice picnic spot, a cafe and a shop.

"How to Get There"

Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield,
East Lothian,
Edinburgh,
EH39 5LF.
+44(o)1620 880 308.

website: www.nms.ac.uk/flight

Its open from 10am to 5pm.

It cost £8(including on board tour of Concorde). £5 other wise.
Children under 12 go free but must pay £2 to go on Concorde.

I would recommend this museum very much. Even if you only do Concorde and nothing else, its fantastic.