Dunfermline’s economy is set to be buoyed by an increase in the number of cruise ship passengers.
Around 140,000 tourists are expected to arrive by boat in the Firth of Forth this summer, with a large percentage expected to enjoy day trips in Fife.
While operators tend to use the Forth as a base for excursions to Edinburgh, Peter Wilson, from volunteer group CruiseForth, which welcomes cruise passengers to the area, said that Fife would also benefit significantly, with more ships than ever before scheduled to dock in the Firth.
“When we started doing this back in 2011 there was an expectation that everyone would go to Edinburgh,” he said.
“While that is still the hook of cruise operators for their itineraries, it is amazing how many people have been before or don’t want to get involved in a city.
“People sometimes want somewhere smaller and local.
“Dunfermline is good because it has history, it has a bit more open space and people can also do their shopping.
“Quite often they do not realise just how close it is.”
Highlighting the increase in cruise ships visiting the Forth was the arrival last week of the first vessels from the Viking cruise line.
Representatives of CruiseForth met with the captain of the Viking Star, which docked at Rosyth.
The company has several more ships due to visit over the course of the summer, with 36 vessels scheduled to dock at the Fife port this year, as well as at Hound Point, Leith and Newhaven.
“The number of ships this year is up on last year,” added Mr Wilson.
“As cruising becomes more popular we are encouraged to see more itineraries featuring this part of the world.
“Because of that, we’re keen to ensure that operators understand the potential of the wider area.”
