Ancient capital dunfermline & The forth bridges

central travel and tours

We start our journey of approximately 45 minutes travelling to The Ancient Scottish Capital, Dunfermline. A former Burgh and current town in Fife, Dunfermline was the Capital of Scotland until the year 1437. On our arrival we will visit Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum. Her you will discover how Andrew set up his businesses and became the richest man in the world, as well as one of the most generous philanthropists of all time. Throughout his lifetime Andrew Carnegie gave away 90% of his wealth. He gifted Dunfermline with Pittencrieff Park known locally as ‘The Glen’ and a Library.

Taking a short 5 minute drive will bring us to our next stop, St Margaret’s Cave. Queen Margaret came to this cave to pray over 900 years ago. Descending the 87 steps down into the earth you can feel the weight of centuries of Dunfermline’s history.

After your morning of sights and history you now have some free time to lunch. There are a few options in the surrounding area including Cafe’s, Tearooms and a Hotel.

Replenished and ready to go, you now have a ‘wee’ stroll through Pittencrieff Park. Here you will find beautiful gardens with a large greenhouse. If you wish you can pop into Pittencrieff House Museum or why not walk down to the peacock enclosure and meet the peacocks, Malcolm & Louise. On a nice day you can rest on a bench and look out over The Forth and the 3 Forth Bridges. The array of paths through ‘The Glen’ will lead you out to the stunning Dunfermline Abbey and Palace ruins. Dunfermline Abbey holds a special place in the nation’s heart. Laid to rest here are some of Scotland’s great kings and queen’s and it is the final resting place of King Robert Bruce, notably minus his heart. The neighbouring palace ruins still make for an interesting discovery. This was the birthplace of Charles I, the last monarch born in Scotland.

Back on the bus we now make our way to view the Forth Bridges. Scotland’s famous 3 bridges built over 3 centuries are a wonder of the modern world. Side by side spanning the Firth of Forth they are a truly mesmerising sight. Opened in 1890 the rail bridge is a symbol of Scotland, having been voted Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the middle you have The Forth Road Bridge, opened in 1964 it stands as one of the world’s most significant long span suspension bridge’s. The latest edition, The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017. It is a major upgrade to the Forth transport corridor. This bridge is the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. Stopping in the picturesque shore side town of South Queensferry you will have time to explore the array of shops or if you are feeling brave enough take a walk across The Forth Road Bridge to get an amazing view.

From here a short journey will take you back to your pick up point.