Andrew Carnegie checking out October’s HQExplorer PAST-PORT

During the Fife School October Holidays, families are invited to discover the stories of Dunfermline’s past with FREE fun activities using the HQExplorer PAST-PORT.  Young visitors to four venues in the city’s historic Heritage Quarter can take part in a variety of storytelling activities including comic-strip-making, a story creation station, a story hunt, and a story-themed spot the difference. By completing the activities and collecting all four stamps in their PAST-PORT children can receive a certificate. Families can take part over one day, several days, or the whole holidays.

The theme of ‘What’s the Story’ has been inspired by Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, as a year in which stories inspired by, created, or written in Scotland are being showcased and celebrated - and Dunfermline is a ‘kist o riches’ of stories, from tales of Queen Margaret and adventures of Robert the Bruce, to yarns about Andrew Carnegie.

The HQExplorer PAST-PORT scheme has been a big hit with local children and young visitors to the historic city of Dunfermline during this year’s Spring and Summer holidays. Parents and carers have been enthusiastic in their feedback too, saying that “it’s a brilliant way to get kids engaged with history”, “encourages us to explore locally”, and “provides a memorable experience”!

The activities are being offered by the Abbey Church of Dunfermline, Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, Historic Scotland’s Dunfermline Abbey Nave and Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries.  PAST-PORTS are FREE and can be picked up at any of the four venues. Note: Before you visit, remember to check each venue for opening hours which vary, and pre-booking may be required.   Families are invited to share photos of their construction adventures on social media using the hashtags ‘#HQExplorers’ and ‘#WhatsTheStory?