Dunfermline peacocks awarded honorary citizenship | UK news

Dunfermline’s famous peacocks have been officially awarded honorary citizenship of the city.

The colourful birds were first introduced to Pittencrieff Park in 1905, when industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie asked Henry Beveridge to bring some home from India.

It is believed that Mr Beveridge returned with two breeding pairs – and there have been peacocks in the park ever since.

The birds are often seen strolling through city streets, bringing traffic to a standstill during their adventures.

It was previously assumed that the peacocks were granted honorary citizenship of the city in 1907, but there was no confirmation of this in the archives and history books.

After Dunfermline was granted city status in 2022, it was recommended that the birds be officially honored.

A ceremony with a public reception was held at the Glen Pavilion on Wednesday.

In addition to the awarding of honorary citizenship of the city, the new coat of arms of Dunfermline was also unveiled at the event.

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Provost Jim Leishman said Fife City Council was “incredibly proud” to award the “esteemed peacocks” this status.

He added: “Pittencrieff Park and the town of Dunfermline have been synonymous with these beautiful birds for many years.”

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The scroll was previously presented to volunteers at the local peacock sanctuary in Pittencrieff Park.

Suzi Ross, the head peacock warden, said: “Freedom of the city is something I have long wanted and I am delighted that the birds are getting the recognition they deserve.”

“They have contributed such a great part to Dunfermline’s heritage and are very popular with the community.

“Our volunteers are extremely dedicated and without their support or the unwavering love and support of the community, our work would not be possible.”