Development

Falling UP Wooers Alley is a project aligned with an official local plan to regenerate and restore the Wooers' Alley area in Dunfermline. The site itself is famed through its connection to Sir Joseph Noel Paton (1821 - 1901) and his siblings (Amelia Robertson Hill (née Paton) and Waller Hugh Paton) who lived in Wooers' Alley Cottage. Sir Joseph Noel Paton was an artist, illustrator, sculptor and poet born in Dunfermline. Notably, he was appointed as Queen Victoria's Limner in Scotland in 1866. His paintings are famous for featuring biblical scenes and stories based on the theme of romantic myths and legends. Falling UP became involved with the idea of regenerating the area as a result of The Paton's of Wooers' Alley exhibition at the Fire Station Creative in 2023. This exhibition was a celebration of the Paton family and featured historical artefacts belonging to the family and some of Sir Joseph Noel artworks, such as masterpiece painting depicting Queen Margaret and King Malcolm Canmore. A direct descendent of the Paton family, conceived of this exhibition and is a driver for the regeneration plans of the Wooers' Alley area. Falling UP's involvement has been to create a series of activities around this site. Activities have included performance, fabric banner display on woodhenges, photography and digital art setting down an artistic footprint and cultural engagement. The project has led to a wider spin-off project called Falling UP Wee Glen.