The Provost of Fife has hailed Dunfermline becoming a city as a "huge boost", expressing his deep pride for the city's people after His Majesty King Charles III conferred city status today.
Jim Leishman was among the key dignitaries who greeted His Majesty and Her Majesty The Queen Consort at Dunfermline City Chambers, alongside others including Chief Constable of Police Scotland Sir Iain Livingstone QPM.
Crowds greeted The King and Queen Consort during their visit after the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, Robert Balfour, introduced The King to the dignitaries.
At a short ceremony inside, The King officially presented the official documents to the Provost in front of an audience of invited guests.
They included First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack.
Provost Leishman said he was so proud for the people of Dunfermline to receive this status for Scotland's newest city this century.
The city will always hold a special place in his heart mainly due to his deep connection with Scottish League One club Dunfermline Athletic.
He played for and managed the Pars during his career in football.
People who who turned out in the city centre today have been thanked for coming.
Provost Leishman said: "Although I’m not a native, Dunfermline is my second home having spent most of my career playing and managing Dunfermline Athletic Football Club.
"So, to be able to welcome our new King here so early in his reign is a real honour.
"Having the title of city will be a huge boost for Dunfermline opening up more economic growth, investment and truly putting the city on the map for tourists.
"It was great to see so many people turned out to cheer, wave and welcome the new King to our new City."
The First Minister says Dunfermline achieving city status is "significant".
Nicola Sturgeon said: "Dunfermline has had a very strong association with the monarchy for many centuries.
"That is why it is so fitting that Their Majesties the King and Queen Consort were here to mark such a significant milestone for the community at the beginning of this new era.
"The granting of city status will help Dunfermline – a place with an extraordinary history – as it looks to create a more prosperous future.
"I want to express my huge thanks to everyone who has played their part in supporting Dunfermline’s successful application over many years."
Meanwhile, the Scottish Secretary says has hailed Dunfermline getting its city status as a "special moment".
Alister Jack said: "Being awarded city status represents a very special moment for Dunfermline and its community.
"It is particularly poignant, and a true honour, that Their Majesties King Charles III and the Queen Consort were present at the event, marking their first official engagement since the end of formal Royal mourning.
"This Royal ceremony heralds an exciting new chapter in Dunfermline’s history, and I was delighted to attend and celebrate this wonderful city’s rich heritage and promising future."
Their Majesties were welcomed by pipers and then entertained inside the Chambers by the Dunfermline Junior Choir, led by Mandy Miller.
The blessing was performed by the Moderator of the Assembly for the Church of Scotland, who is also the minister of St Margaret's Community Church in the city.
Right Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields said: "We are indebted to her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth for conferring, as part of her Jubilee Celebrations, city status on Dunfermline – the Auld Grey Toon.
"A Toon no longer.
"It is a privilege that this ancient capital of Scotland has been honoured in this way and it was a joy for us to gather with His Majesty King Charles to celebrate this significant moment in the history of Dunfermline.
"May this be a place where justice is loved, unity experienced and all people feel valued, cared for and respected."
The King and Queen Consort left Dunfermline City Chambers to take a short walk to visit Dunfermline Abbey.
At the Abbey, which is celebrating its 950th anniversary this year, they were greeted by the Reverend Mary Ann Rennie, the Abbey’s Minister, then given a short tour by Historic Environment Scotland representatives.
Invited representatives from a large and diverse number of community groups and clubs also had a chance to chat to The King and Queen Consort inside the 950 year old abbey.
The King and Queen Consort then left for their next engagement.
Dunfermline is now Scotland's eighth city and became so in the year of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee this year.
Scotland's other cities are Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Stirling and Inverness.
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