Peacocks in the Glen

Tue, Jul 29th 2025 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Joint meeting with the Carnegie Club at The Keavil - Speaker from the Peacock Sanctuary in The Glen

Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park: A Century of Conservation

This week's joint meeting with Carnegie Dunfermline Rotary club welcomed Suzie and Carolyn from Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park as guest speakers.The ladies shared the fascinating history and current care of these magnificent birds.

A Gift from India
The peacocks' story began in 1905 when Henry Beveridge, a friend of Andrew Carnegie's family who was based in India, asked permission to bring breeding peacocks to the park. This generous donation established what would become a beloved feature of Pittencrieff Park for over a century.

Modern Conservation Efforts
Suzie became involved with the peacock conservation programme 11 years ago, initially working alongside Malcolm and Louise. Her journey began unexpectedly when Tullibole Castle contacted her, offering a peahen named Caroline and five chicks to help start what they assumed was an existing breeding programme. Despite being unaware of any formal breeding initiative, Suzie collected the birds and brought them to the park.

Caroline proved to be an excellent mother, successfully raising her chicks until it came time to venture outside their enclosure. At that point, she made her escape to the Glen with her babies in tow. Caroline can now be found in Buffies Brae, where she is currently incubating another clutch of eggs.

Current Flock
The park currently houses nine peacocks with distinctive names and characteristics:

Andrew, the eldest male, is an Indian Blue Black Shoulder peacock. Rebus stands out as the white bird of the group - an Indian Blue White variety. Angus and Hamish are traditional Indian Blue birds, while Scout, born in the park two years ago, is a rare and valuable Indian Pied Bird. Skylar, Scout's brother, is an Indian Blue Split to White variety. The younger males Archie, Alfie, and Zach complete the group, with Alfie and Zach preparing to move to their permanent homes.

As Suzie explained, "I have to find new homes for the boys. We've got four grown-up adult males, and four is enough for anybody."

The park is also home to 11 peahens: Angel (mother to five chicks and an Indian Blue White), Patsy, Kaylee, Eva, Zoe, Sapphire, Ruby, Roxy (an Indian Blue Black Shoulder), Ailsa, Asha, and Amber.

Peacock Varieties
According to Suzie, there are only three types of peacocks:- The Indian Blue, which populates Pittencrieff Park, is the most common variety. The Java peacock, described as "stunning, beautiful birds," represents the second type. The third variety, the Congo Peacock, would be unsuitable for the Scottish climate due to the cold temperatures.

Diet and Care
The peacocks enjoy a carefully planned diet consisting primarily of mixed corn, sunflower hearts, and mealworms for protein. They receive cat food and fish twice weekly, with rocket being a particular favourite. Apple cider vinegar is added to their water twice weekly as a natural worming treatment. Their supplementary meals include salads with added calcium, and they particularly enjoy watermelon.

Volunteer Support
The peacocks benefit from the dedication of over 35 volunteers who provide care 365 days a year. This impressive team ensures the birds receive consistent attention throughout the year.

Recognition and Funding
Peacocks in the Park received the Community Champions of the Year award in 2023, recognising their valuable contribution to the community. However, as Suzie noted, they receive no financial support from Fife Council or Carnegie Dunfermline Trust. All expenses, including veterinary bills and feeding costs, require independent funding.

Sponsorship Opportunities
The organisation offers sponsorship packages for those wishing to support the entire flock:

Gold Package: £100
Silver Package: £80
Bronze Package: £60

These packages help ensure the continued care and conservation of these magnificent birds for future generations to enjoy in Pittencrieff Park.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

Duty Rota

Members allocated for reception and vote of thanks duties

Information and application form. Scroll down to see who has benefited from our grants programme.

Rotary in our Community

International Service Projects

Primary Schools linked to Rotary Club of West Fife:- Blairhall, Cairneyhill, Carnock, Crossford, Camdean, Culross, Inzievar, Holy Name, Limekilns, Milesmark, St Serfs, Saline, Torryburn, Tulliallan. Secondary Schools:- Queen Anne and Woodmill