AN AMERICAN author who "fell in love" with Dunfermline has been enlisted to help boost the city as a major tourism centre.

Jean Muir, 47, has been asked by MP Douglas Chapman to help strengthen links between cultural, heritage and tourism organisations in the city to promote it further across Scotland and abroad.

The heritage professional moved to the town eight years ago, throwing herself into community activity, and she currently chairs Halbeath and Duloch Community Council. Jean also appeared in the Press last year after the Dunfermline gala featured in her book: ‘Scotland: Celebrations & Soul Food’.

At the time, she said: “It’s fabulous here, the quality of life is amazing. You have beaches, castles and culture right on your doorstep. When people hear my accent they sometimes ask: ‘Why did you choose Dunfermline?’ but they don’t know how good they have it! The things right on your doorstep are world-class. I’ve fallen in love with the place, it’s a wonderful rich community with a great culture.”

Jean's passion for the town, along with a professional background in heritage, convinced Mr Chapman that she was the right person to help take the town forward.

Jean said: “Douglas told me he is keen to make a positive impact on the tourist, heritage and cultural sectors and that’s why I’m delighted to have been appointed to help him achieve this.

“I aim to use my professional background in heritage in the US to delve deeper into Dunfermline. My aim is to improve communication and co-ordination between organisations in Dunfermline – let’s get them talking to bring more cohesion between the sectors.

“People are aware of my involvement in the community. I have made Dunfermline my home and enjoy life here. We all know the area has lots of offer – it’s time to deliver.”

Mr Chapman said: “Jean has impressed me with her passion for Dunfermline – she has lots of enthusiasm for the town and, being an author, has lots of ideas. That energy, along with her professional background, convinced me to get her involved.

“There is no doubt that Dunfermline is an attraction for visitors but sometimes it punches below its weight. The town centre needs a jolt of vibrancy – one non-tourism opportunity would be to locate Fife College with its hundreds of students to a site like the brownfield area next to Carnegie Leisure Centre. That’s an example of the kind of additional footfall that would help rejuvenate the town centre.

“I will be working closely with Jean on Dunfermline and West Fife tourism and look forward to the opportunity to make positive progress.”