Abbot House Photographs

The oldest building in Dunfermline, West Fife, situated in the Maygate at the centre of the burgh. Although it was built on the line of the old abbey wall, it was never the home of an Abbot of Dunfermline. Constructed in the 16th century after the Reformation, it was probably built for Robert Pitcairn, Commendator (lay administrator) of the old Abbey estates.

In 1994 the building was opened as a museum tracing the story of the town from Pictish times to the present day.

Dunfermline Abbey Diary. During his time as Minister of Dunfermline Abbey from 10 September 1969 to 5 November 1990, Rev Stewart M Macpherson kept a diary of major events at the Abbey. These years were filled with important developments at the Abbey including major restoration work and royal visits. Dunfermline Abbey Diary 1969-1990.

Old Dunfermline contains 66 excellent pictures covering all aspects of the town's history. There are photographs of long-lost shops and buildings, several pictures of the trams and a view of the old Cinema Picture House in East Port. The Abbey and Abbot House recall Dunfermline's medieval heritage while the Co-operative Society and Andrew Carnegie's various benefactions tell of its Victorian prosperity. Pictures of Pittencrieff Glen include Vincenzo Macari's horse-drawn ice-cream van, the original glasshouse and children enjoying a Gala Day pageant. Industry is represented by Hay & Robertson's works, the St Leonard's power loom factory and Gilbert Rae's mineral water works. The Rosyth rent strike of 1919, Dunfermline's Highland Games and a glimpse of Pitreavie Cottages and the village of Masterton (both demolished to make way for the approach roads to the Forth Road Bridge) are some of the other diverse topics covered in this very comprehensive book. Old Dunfermline.

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