Dunfermline's beloved peacocks finally receive iconic status at special ceremony

THE formal recognition of the freedom of the city for the peacocks of Pittencrieff Park was presented on Wednesday.

Ahead of a civic reception unveiling a new coat of arms for Dunfermline, a scroll confirming their new status was presented to the volunteers who look after the iconic birds.

Suzi Ross, lead peafowl warden, welcomed the honour and praised the volunteers: “The freedom of the city has been something I have desired for a long time, and I am delighted that the birds have the recognition they deserve.

"They have been such a huge part of Dunfermline’s heritage and are much beloved by the community.

(Image: David Wardle)

"Our volunteers are extremely dedicated, and we could not do what we do without their support or the unwavering love and support from the community."

Freedom of the city is a right many thought the beloved peacocks already had but it turned out there was nothing in writing saying so.

That turned into a quest for Suzy who began the campaign eight years ago.

It's official. Suzi Ross, Provost Jim Leishman and Carlyn Cane with the scroll confirming the peacocks of Pittencrieff Park's new status (Image: David Wardle)

Fife Council agreed to the move in December and the presentation yesterday, at the peacock sanctuary, was a celebration that continued in the pavilion at the civic reception with the unveiling of the city's new coat of arms.

And here it is in writing. (Image: David Wardle)

Peacocks are most commonly found in Asia but they have been a familiar sight in Pittencrieff Park – and further afield, as they do like to roam – since Henry Beveridge introduced our most famous residents to the city in 1905 after a trip to India.

One of the first members of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, he brought them to the park which had been gifted to the town by Andrew Carnegie only three years earlier.