DUNFERMLINE and WEST FIFE LOCAL TOURIST ASSOCIATION
Wednesday 8th October 2014
City Chambers, Dunfermline
DRAFT Minutes
1 Present
Alistair Bruce (Chair) Keavil House Hotel; Cllr Helen Law, Dunfermline Area Cttee Cllr Mike
Shirkie, SW Fife Area Cttee: Jack Pryde, Discover Dunfermline; Peter Wilson, LTA Projects;
Linn Williamson, Grill 48; Frank Connelly, Dynamic Dunfermline; James Lawson , NQ
Heritage Trust; Susan De Swarte, Dunfermline Delivers
Apologies
Devon McHugh, Abbot House; Ross Stirling, Fife College (Tourism and Hospitality);
Joe McGuiness, Fife Council – Dunfermline Area Services Manager; Maggie Mitchell,
Dunfermline Delivers; Roger Pickering, Forth Pilgrim; Stuart Gray, Knockhill; Gerry
McMullan, Carnegie Touring; Karen Davidson, Kingsgate; ; Elaine Longmuir,NTS Culross;
In attendance Manuela Calchini, Visit Scotland
2 Welcome
The Chair welcomed Manuela Calchini to her first meeting of the LTA, thanked Cllr Law for
the facilities at the Court Room, within the City Chambers.
3 Minutes of Meeting 18th August 2014
The Minutes were approved.
Matters arising (a) LTA Strategy 2014-2016 – The Chair reported that he had received no
further comments, and accordingly the strategy document was approved. It was noted that
an action plan was now required and it would be circulated for the next meeting. It was
agreed that a media release to promote the Strategy would be prepared.
(b) A meeting had taken place with Maggie Mitchell and Joe McGuiness to
review the Landmark Bedroom Brochure Leaflet due to be printed for the Edinburgh edition.
No significant change had been required, although some updating will take place in time for
delivery in mid-November
4 Visit Scotland
Manuela Calchini made a presentation covering the marketing work of Visit Scotland in
considerable detail. Circulating some current examples, she explained the range of activity
including direct mail shot, targeted newspaper advertising, and online and social media
presence. Recognising that there was significant opportunity emerging out of the
Dunfermline and West Fife area, she encouraged the identification of suitable content which
could be forwarded to her, for appropriate marketing by Visit Scotland.
She advised that future themed years included 2015- Year of Food and Drink; 2016
Innovation, Architecture and Design; 2017 Year of Hertiage, History and Archeology.
The Chair identified that the LTA could help by raising the awareness of the marketing
opportunity to local businesses, and undertook to retrieve a previous document that
calendarised events throughout the year, to allow forward planning. (Action - Chair)
5 Forth Bridge/Festival/ Tourism Strategy and Working Group
James Lawson reported that the Forth Bridges Festival had been considered to be a success,
with increased interest in local walking tours, new visitors to the area, and successful
torchlight and firework celebrations.
While the last meeting of the Working Group had been cancelled, there had been further
meetings in connection with the World Heritage Bid. An ‘inspection visit’ had recently been
undertaken, with local familiarisation tours organised. There had been a call for some
further information regarding preparations, likely visitor numbers etc. The conclusions of
that visit, and the further progress of the Heritage Bid application were awaited.
6 Cruise Project
Peter Wilson had circulated a summary report in advance of the meeting (copied as part of
the appendix of updates. He highlighted, the number of cruise passengers now visiting
Dunfermline from Rosyth (1400 in 2014), the shortlisting of the Welcome Volunteers for the
regional final of the Thistle Awards, and the imminent Business Seminar being held on 24th
October at Hopetoun House.
Following discussion at the last LTA meeting Cllr Bob Young had been contacted and
attended the port along with Cllr Adam to view the taxi operation. It was agreed to explore
the suitability of the World Host programme as a means of investing in the quality of taxi
provision in the future. Action Peter Wilson
Jack Pryde reported that following his earlier involvement with cruise business events he
had benefitted from a number of business bookings including a sold-on-board excursion
from Leith, which had rebooked for three cruise days in 2015.
7 Outlander Project
A paper had been circulated in advance of the meeting proposing the formal adoption of the
project to allow the LTA to build on the early knowledge of the interest in Outlander filming
locations in and around West Fife. Gerry McMullan had previously promoted this work, and
was now taking bookings ahead to 2016. The Chair reported that he had received
accommodation bookings as part of the Outlander film set tours in the summer of 2015.
Visit Scotland was also promoting Outlander filming locations, but it was noted that Fife did
not feature on the current presentation.
The proposal recommended two strands, one raising awareness amongst local businesses,
and the second promoting the area to the international visitor market as a base for
‘Outlander’ tours. A draft action plan had been circulated outlining possible actions for both
strands.
The proposal was adopted and the Chair offered to lead the project, which would be run
with a Steering Group. Action Chair
8 Showcase Event
A paper had been circulated in advance of the meeting, proposing arrangements for a
second event, following the success in 2013. It was agreed to plan for this in February 2015
and Peter Wilson would explore costings from three venues, set the date and then
commence publicity to attract presentations and possible key speakers.
Action – Peter Wilson
9 Sector Reports
Due to time pressure on the agenda there were no formal Sector Reports other than the
following
 The Chair described the accommodation demand remaining high, due in part to the
ongoing industrial developments in Rosyth. Bookings through golf promoters had
worked well and positioned the hotel for the Open Golf in July 2015.
 Linn Williamson reported being extremely busy over the past few weeks in particular
the week of the Ryder Cup. Great support from local hotels including Keavil,
Garvock and Balmule house and also taxi drivers. She had seen great benefit from
the tourism sector working together, and had stocked her restaurant with visitor
information leaflets to meet customer demand. With the theatre season warming
up she anticipated continuing good business.
 Jack Pride spoke of the continuing popularity of his walking tours with the St
Margaret theme attracting particular interest. 200 young people on a youth
pilgrimage from Aberdeen to Galloway had visited Dunfermline, and he expressed
hope that the St Margaret Pilgrimage might yet return to Dunfermline from Carfin.
Frank Connelly expressed disappointment that there didn't seem to be as big an
increase in visitor numbers in the Abbey or Dunfermline Palace as might have been
expected with all the national publicity surrounding Homecoming and the 700th
anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, and would like to see greater focus on
jointly marketing all the attractions that Dunfermline has to offer.
 Written reports were provided by Devon McHugh, Roger Pickering (attached to the
minute).
 James Lawson referred back to the walking tour interest of the Festival, but also the
increase in rail passengers this year to North Queensferry. The Queensferry Light
continued to be a popular attraction with visitor numbers up this year. Planning for
the relocation of the Beamer Light continues.
10 Fife Tourism Partnership
The Chair advised that he had now been elevated from Vice Chair to Chair of the FTP, and
that the membership and structure had also been reviewed. LTA Member Stuart Gray had
also completed his term as a Board member.
The FTP Strategy had been approved and would be circulated to members.
11 Dunfermline First – (including Dunfermline Delivers)
Cllr Law described ongoing work to enhance lighting on the Glen Bridge, the plans for the
Dunfermline Fireworks on a Saturday (8th November), the launch of Venture Street on 22nd
November to coincide with the Christmas Lights switch on.
New lighting was planned for the public park, leading from the Station, and the
refurbishment of the fountain was being explored.
Plans were afoot to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the twinning with Trondheim in 2015,
which will also be the 35th anniversary of the link with Wilhelmshaven.
12 Next Meeting The next meeting – 2pm Wednesday 14th January 2015 at the Keavil House
Hotel, which would also be the occasion of the AGM.
Appendix – Written Updates //
Roger Pickering – Pilgrimage – Scottish Pilgrimage Gathering 2014 [last week]
We were very pleased with the high calibre and wide variety of the audience of some 80 delegates
who attended this year's Gathering. [Delegates travelled from all over, between Inverness & England.
We will be posting a summary report of the event on the SPRF website and we hope this can include
the text of the Scottish Minister's speech.
The increasing level of activity in Fife relating both to the Three Saints Way and the Fife Pilgrim Way
was very much in evidence at the Gathering
www.sprf.org.uk
Devon McHugh - Heritage
We have not had a chance to have a heritage quarter catch up meeting, so I am not sure
what all is going on with the other venues at the moment, although we are continuing to
work closely with the Church and with HS on our education programmes for schools and
colleges, which are thriving!
Here at Abbot House, all hands are on deck for the 1st birthday party for Abbot Brew House,
which is on Saturday. I have attached the little poster, for info, and you can find out more on
our website at http://www.abbothouse.co.uk/2014/07/06/abbot-brew-house-1st-birthdayparty-saturday-11-october/
On a related note, Abbot House has also been short-listed for Arts & Business Scotland and
Museums Galleries Scotland’s Enterprising Museum Award for the brew house project,
which is exciting news. I have attached the press release that I sent out about the award this
weekend: we will find out if we won at the award ceremony on 24 October. We are
practising our ‘We are disappointed we didn’t win, but proud to be nominated!’ faces, in
case we don’t win! Really, though, it is just nice to have the project recognised on a national
level, which is very cool. On a similar note, Abbot House has been nominated for the Fife
Business Diversity Awards for the second year running: that ceremony is on Thursday.
I think that is pretty much it from our end—a lot of crowing about awards!? We have a good
set of events and lectures coming up, including a Murder Mystery Dinner on the 8
November, and a wedding fair on 26 October, which will showcase all that Abbot House and
a range of local and national suppliers have to offer for those looking to get hitched in the
area. More info on everything can be found on our website under Abbot House, Lectures &
Events.
Cruise Project Update
Season 2014 Highlights

Over 3000 passengers transported to Dunfermline in three years since project
began. 1400 in 2014

Increased interest by ships for Dunfermline offer from Rosyth

Volunteer provide information desk on 100% of Rosyth Ships

Increased take up of private touring opportunities at Rosyth

Increased advance enquiries through CruiseForth website creating increase in
business

Increase in volunteer numbers (now totalling 44 across 3 ports)

Project extended to Leith in 2014

Fife companies secure business from ships arriving at Leith

Courtesy bus trialled to Hopetoun House from Queensferry

Reported increase in cruise passenger footfall in Queensferry

Queen Anne pupils assist growing number of linguists in volunteer team

Cruiseforth Project attends European Cruise Exhibition in Barcelona

Welcome Volunteers shortlisted regional finalists for Thistle Awards ((5/11/14)

Business engagement event at Hopetoun on 24th October

2014 Cruise Summit at Queensferry Hotel on 13th November

Growth Fund application submitted to increase international marketing