Fife’s biggest theatre has been recognised with a special motion in the Scottish Parliament.

Alex Rowley paid formal tribute to the key role played by the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline before stepping down as an MSP.

The Mid Scotland and Fife politician noted the venue’s long history, and the benefits it has brought to the Kingdom by hosting a huge range of more than 3000 concerts featuring some of the biggest bands and names in showbiz.

The Alhambra has helped put Fife back on the live entertainment map, staging gigs by groups as big as Kasabian, Snow Patrol, and The Proclaimers, hosting a huge number of comedians including Jimmy Carr and Jason Byrne, and creating a new generation of panto lovers with its acclaimed annual festive shows.

The Alhambra Theatre has played a huge part in developing Fife's live entertainment scene (Pic: submitted)

placeholder image — The Alhambra Theatre has played a huge part in developing Fife's live entertainment scene (Pic: submitted)

Mr Rowley’s motion also paid tribute to the work done by Bill Fletcher bringing the building back into use after it was left in a state of disrepair following its previous closure as a bingo hall. He took over the historic building in 2007 and oversaw a full restoration, delivering the Alhambra back to its original use as a major theatre.

Mr Rowley said: “The contribution the Alhambra makes to the economy of Dunfermline is significant and I think it is important we recognise the importance of this facility to the city and its future development.

“It is incredible that since reopening, the theatre has achieved a number one touring house status and hosted over 3,000 shows, averaging over 160 per year since 2007, and entertained over 2.6 million paying customers.

“This success has been a major boon for local businesses particularly in the nighttime economy but also has given thousands of Fifers access to amazing shows from top comedians to West End shows, ballet and top music performers and bands. I want to thank all those who have worked hard to make the Alhambra Theatre such a big success ensuring that Dunfermline remains a major cultural player in Scotland.”

Mr Rowley also praised the work done to create the Alhambra Theatre Stage School, which offers a wide variety of training for all levels and ages and averages around 400 pupils on a weekly basis; acknowledged the hard work of the board of trustees, and noted their ambitions to develop a dedicated theatre school and studio theatre/rehearsal facility on an adjacent site to the theatre,