DUNFERMLINE’S iconic peacocks have been gifted with a “symbolic key to the city”.
The award was presented to the birds after it transpired they had never been formally granted freedom of the area.
Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman said he was “surprised” to learn that the birds were never officially given the status, joking: “I had to give them something until we can get that sorted.”
The SNP politician presented the birds with the golden key at the Peacock Sanctuary in The Glen on Wednesday.
Chapman said: “Dunfermline is famous for its peacocks, and it’s always a joy to see them strutting around The Glen and the city centre.
READ MORE: 'Thousands' of dead birds taken to landfill after washing up on island's beach
“For many of our citizens, young and old, they are regarded as VIPs – Very Important Peacocks – and we love them dearly.
“I was surprised – like everyone else was – when I learned they don’t actually have formal freedom of the city.
“Unfortunately, that’s not in my gift to give, but I figured I could at least give them a symbolic key to the city until we can get them their official status.”
Chapman said he has sent a request to Fife Council that the peacocks are formally recognised as having freedom of the area.
He added: “And following the recent traumatic events for the birds – which led to a generous and sincere public response - the key is also an attempt to offer some recognition for the dedicated volunteers who look after and care for Dunfermline’s best-known VIPs.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel