DUNFERMLINE and WEST FIFE LOCAL TOURIST ASSOCIATION
Meeting - Wednesday 14th January 2015
Keavil House Hotel
2pm
Minutes
(Held after the AGM)
1 Welcome and Attendance
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting including Paul Foley (NTS Culross – covering maternity
leave for Elaine Longmuir), and Kevin Fleming (Little Thistle, East Port).
2 Present
Alistair Bruce
Cllr Helen Law
Cllr Mike Shirkey
Jack Pryde
James Lawson
Peter Wilson
Karen Davidson
Linn Williamson
Paul Foley
Kevin Fleming
Frank Connolly
Chair
Dunfermline Area Cttee
SW Fife Area Cttee
Discover Dunfermline
NQ Heritage Trust
LTA Projects
Kingsgate
Grill 48
NTS Culross
Little Thistle
Apologies
Joe McGuiness
Roger Pickering
Manuela Calchini
2 Minutes of Meeting of 8th October
The Minutes were approved
3 Forth Bridges
James Lawson summarised developments from the Forth Bridges Tourism Strategy Working Group. A
consultant had now been appointed to help define the areas to be included, and to consider branding
issues. The application for World Heritage status for the Forth Bridge was still being progressed. It was
noted that Network Rail proposals for a visitor centre (north side), and bridge climb (south side) were
being advanced. Consultation with the community on visitor impact continues. A grant has been
applied for to improve the NQ Pontoon, for visiting yachts and other small boats.
4 Cruise Project
Peter Wilson advised that 69 ships had booked to visit the Forth this year, 26 at Rosyth. 16 large
vessels would arrive at the anchorage, with increased passenger numbers per ship. The season
commenced in May. Work continued to engage visitor businesses. Jack Pryde reported that he had
been contracted to offer services for the 9 visits of the Royal Princess at Queensferry, in addition to
bookings by ships in Leith. Bookings for 2016 were already being taken with 44 ships registering with
Forth Ports – including a Hogmanay visit! The Visit Scotland Growth Fund bid had been deferred until
May. The Cruise Forth Welcome Volunteers had reached the national final of the Thistle Awards,
Warmest Welcome category, to be announced on 5th March.
5 Outlander Project
The Chair reported that an inaugural meeting had been held to establish the Project. Contributions
from Paul Foley regarding work being taken forward by the National Trust for Scotland, locally and
nationally, highlighted the timeliness of this project. The next Project meeting will be held on 12th
February, when Jenni Steele from Visit Scotland would be in attendance.
6 Showcase Event
Peter Wilson confirmed the arrangements for the 2 nd LTA Showcase event, which is scheduled for the
morning of 26th February at the Keavil House Hotel. (Prices from other venues in the area had been
sought, but the Keavil offered the best price.) Twelve businesses had registered to attend so far.
It was proposed by Linn Williamson that the event be promoted across the LTA, to inform hotel
reception staff etc.
7 Sector Updates
Retail – Karen Davidson reported a slight reduction in trade in December at the Kingsgate, perhaps as
a consequence of the Black Friday initiative. There had been minimal retail business interest in late
night shopping activity
Restaurants – Linn Williamson reported a drop in work Xmas lunch activity, but an increase in evening
bookings.
Hotels – The accommodation pressure driven by commercial bookings had reduced slightly. Christmas
party night activity had increased.
Heritage – Paul Foley reported on plans for organisational changes at Culross, as well as activity
events being organised for 2015, including a Clan Ranald event in August. It was reported that the
Dunfermline Bruce Festival would be held on 28/29th August. Frank Connolly reported on a
forthcoming visit to Pittsburgh. A new manager had been appointed at Abbot House, but concerns
had been expressed about the future of such a valuable asset.
8 Fife Tourism Partnership
The Chair raised the issue of the Interactive Kiosks provided through IDS. There was some lack of
clarity as to how these were being rolled out, the costing structure, and the extent of the network
marketing. It was agreed that the Chair would consider whether it was appropriate to have a
presentation at the Showcase event
9 Visit Scotland – no update
10 Dunfermline First/Dunfermline Delivers
Cllr Law summarised ongoing or planned activities. These included the opening of Hub premises at 82
High Street, the conclusion of the Venture Street entrepreneurs event (29th Jan), preparation for
Dunfermline in Bloom 2015, a review of the Town Centre public wifi, the progress with anniversary
celebrations for the Trondheim twinning.
11 Finance
Peter Wilson summarised the current financial position. While £3000 remained in the current
account, the bulk of that had been provided during the time when finances were managed via the
Royal Dunfermline account for Cruise Project activity. Invoices were due in relation to the booking of
advertising in the Landmark Edinburgh Hotel Bedroom brochures, and discussions had taken place
with Fife Council to ensure funds were available.
Date of next meeting – Thursday 12th March at GRILL 48, East Port at 2pm