Survey on St Margaret's House

Article written by: Andrew Rogers, Development Officer at Community Enterprise (communityenterprise.co.uk)

I work for a charity called Community Enterprise – we are consultants to other charities and community groups around Scotland. We have been appointed by Fife Historic Buildings Trust to carry out an options appraisal for St Margaret’s House, a historic building next to Dunfermline Abbey and Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. I’ve attached an illustration showing the location.

The building is owned by Fife Council and Fife Historic Buildings Trust is working with them to agree a plan for its future. Fife Historic Buildings Trust previously collaborated with Fife Council to carry out a first phase of works to repair the exterior and reinstate architectural features.

It was last used as offices for Fife Council but has sat empty for several years. My organisation’s role is to find a use for the building which reflects its place in Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter, is financially sustainable, and which makes a positive contribution to the City.

From our research so far, the direction of travel is towards a use which supports tourism and the visitor economy in Dunfermline. We think the most likely options for future use are:

1.      Mix of uses, linked to Dunfermline Abbey. St Margaret’s House could have a small visitor centre area, space to hold events, and some office space for people working at the Abbey.

2.      Accommodation for visitors. This could either be:

a.      A single holiday let. This could also be booked for events.

b.      Hostel accommodation. This could be aimed at walkers on the Fife Pilgrim Way, which stops at the Abbey.

We want to ensure that the community across Dunfermline can provide feedback and suggestions on how the building should be used. To do that:

·        We are running a short survey, at this link: https://bit.ly/StMarHouse

·        We will be attending the meeting of Community Councils and Tenants & Residents Groups in Dunfermline at the City Chambers on 30th October.

·        We plan to have a display set up in the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries and speak to people using the building (dates for this are still to be confirmed).  

·        We have met with the Dunfermline Heritage Partnership to gather their views on the project.

We would be very grateful if you could please complete the survey.

Thank you.