US Consul General Enjoys Visit to Dunfermline

Strengthening bonds with America

Hello!

I had a very enjoyable day on Friday as we hosted US Consulate Jack Hillmeyer and his programs manager Patrick Hogan to Dunfermline.

Our first stop was the Carnegie Birthplace Museum where we were met by Gillian Taylor CEO of Carnegie Trust and Hero Fund and our guide for the day Frank Connelly.

During our tour of the museum Mr Hillmeyer lauded Andrew Carnegie, who is widely recognized as one of the world’s greatest ever philanthropists:

“Andrew Carnegie is one of the best examples of the long links between the United States and Scotland. His model of philanthropy is something which American businessmen of today, such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, are seeking to emulate and so his influence lives on.”

From there we walked down through The Glen to have a wee look at Pittencrieff House. Frank explained the connection between General Forbes and the founding of Pittsburgh.

Mr Hillmeyer was suitably impressed, not just by the history, but also the stunning beauty of our much-loved Pittencrieff Park.

After this we moved on to meet with the one and only Mr James Leishman, Provost of Fife at The City Chambers where he regaled our American guests with tales of his times in Football and his trips to USA in an official capacity.

We were also joined again by Gillian Taylor, and also Ian Moir from Fire Station Creative. Ian was kind enough to bring his stunning painting depicting the history of golf in the town and the connection between Dunfermline and the first golf club in America at Yonkers NY.  

After an all too brief tour at The Abbey and Carnegie Library and Museum we had time for quick refreshment in The Old Inn before Frank showed them The Old US Consulate up at Buffie’s Brae.

Both gentlemen were suitably impressed, and it was an absolute pleasure to host such knowledgeable and enthusiastic guests.

Hopefully something positive will emanate from Mr Hillmeyer’s visit and he was already discussing the possibility of a visit by The US Ambassador.

Now that really would be something!

I have feeling that this US Consul General hasn’t seen the last of Dunfermline.

Until next time.

Billy.