Dunfermline’s famous peacocks have officially been honoured with the Freedom of the City.
The brightly coloured birds were first introduced to Pittencrieff Park back in 1905 when industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie asked Henry Beveridge to bring some home from India.
It’s believed Mr Beveridge returned with two breeding pairs – and there have been peafowl in the park ever since.
The birds are often spotted strolling through the city’s streets and stopping traffic on their adventures.
It was previously understood the peacocks were granted Freedom of the City in 1907, but there was nothing in the archives or history books to confirm it.
After Dunfermline was granted city status in 2022, recommendations were made to officially honour the birds.
A ceremony took place on Wednesday with a civic reception at the Glen Pavilion.
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As well as the Freedom of the City, the event also celebrated the unveiling of Dunfermline’s new coat of arms.
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Provost Jim Leishman said Fife Council was “immensely proud” to grant the status to the “cherished peacocks”.
He added: “Pittencrieff Park and the City of Dunfermline have been synonymous with these beautiful birds for many years.”
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The scroll was earlier presented to the volunteers at local sanctuary Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park.
Suzi Ross, lead peafowl warden, said: “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.
“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.”
