Bids for two new cities in Fife backed ahead of next year's platinum jubilee

Two submissions for city status are being supported by Fife Council as part of the civic honours competition to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's platinum jubilee next year.

The two locations that could potentially become cities are Dunfermline and St Andrews.

Both respective area committees intend to review and approve the final submission documents at their next meetings so that bids can be put in before a deadline of December 8.

Councillor David Alexander, the SNP co-leader of Fife Council and the local authortiy's convener of the policy and coordination committee, said: "Both Dunfermline and St Andrews are keen to see their heritage recognised and their historical status officially restored, and we’re happy to support both these bids.

"Our community manager is coordinating the submission for Dunfermline and the St Andrews bid is being led by the town’s community council, who will contact our officers for any extra support they need."

Councillor David Ross, the co-leader for Labour at the council, said: "Work has been underway for some time to prepare submissions that reflect the history, diversity and future aspirations of these communities.

"Our towns are strong contenders.

"The ancient capital of Scotland for over 400 years, Dunfermline is now one of the fastest growing towns in Europe.

"St Andrews, known worldwide as the home of golf and Scotland’s first university, historically had city status."