The Earl of Elgin led Dunfermline’s Crowning Event, to mark the coronation of King Robert the Bruce.
Scotland’s legendary king, whose body lies under the pulpit in Dunfermline Abbey, was actually crowned at Scone.
With massive events to commemorate the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn this year, Saturday’s event focused on Bruce’s magnanimity and friendship rather than the spoils of war.
“At his enthronement he sent out his friends to gather friendship. That was his first command as king,” said the earl.
“And after Bannockburn the extraordinary thing was how he treated English captives in a way never seen before and, remember, this was after Edward I had chopped up his brothers.”
The event, centering on the abbey, was organised by the Presbytery of Dunfermline and VisitDunfermline.
Welcoming modern-day pilgrims who had walked from Culross Abbey and St Bridget’s Kirk in Dalgety Bay that morning and visitors, abbey minister, the Rev MaryAnn Rennie said while she recognised the king was not crowned in Dunfermline, the presbytery had wanted to create a different crowning.
“Because we wanted to think about why this area was so special to the royal family, we felt there had been something special about Dunfermline and this area, which already had a richness of faith.
“We wanted to celebrate that richness of faith that continues today in several denominations.”
There were also messages of peace from the Dalai Lama and Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, conveyed by Victor Spence, the founder of the World Peace Tartan initiative.
Mr Spence told visitors the Dalai Lama had given him a short message to convey, asking the people of Scotland whenever possible to spread the wonderful gift of kindness.
Arun Gandhi’s message read: “I am aware of your gathering today in the historic abbey church, and I actively encourage you to take on the words of my grandfather, to be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Fife’s Depute Provost Kay Morrison, who hosted a reception in the City Chambers, said: “Bruce was a strong character, committed and magnanimous, and I think we should acknowledge today.”