HEAR YE! Hear ye! Some of the UK’s top town criers gathered at the Glen Gates in Dunfermline at the weekend to help promote the town.

The group included John Smith from Falkirk, who is Scotland’s only town crier and took up the ancient art to overcome his shyness.

It obviously worked for him as he led the pipes and drums procession down Sixth Avenue in New York during the 2002 Tartan Day celebrations.

Mr Smith said he would like to see more criers north of the border and insisted they could help raise a town’s profile.

Scotland’s ancient capital—which is undergoing something of a makeover—might benefit, he said.

“I think any place that is looking for some flamboyant publicity would do well to have a town crier,” he told The Courier.

“There’s definitely something going on in Dunfermline. Considering its historic significance it deserves to be visited more often.”

Town centre manager Susan Hughes said it was all part of the Dunfermline Town Centre Management group’s strategy to help generate more business.