Bruce the iconic town peacock is no more

One of Dunfermline’s iconic peacocks has had to be put down after being struck by a car.

The birds have the freedom of the city and can be regularly seen strutting around Pittencrieff Park and the town centre area.

Tragedy befell Bruce, one of a number of peacocks donated to Dunfermline Glen in 2018, when he was run over by a driver reversing into a garage.

It is understood the driver reported the incident immediately but volunteers were unable to catch Bruce for further treatment until Saturday.

Suzi Ross, who leads a team of volunteers that look after the birds, said news of Bruce’s passing had made for a “very sad” weekend.

“Bruce sustained a very nasty foot injury. Unfortunately, we could not catch him until late Saturday.

“I gave him some painkillers then, Sunday morning, took him to the vet.

“By that time, the foot could not be saved and we had to put Bruce to sleep.

“He was a handsome boy and we will all miss him and his adventures.”

Peacocks were first introduced to Dunfermline by philanthropist Henry Beveridge in 1905 when he brought several birds back from India.

Numbers gradually declined and there were only two peafowl left in the park in 2017 when Clive, then the town’s oldest peacock, died.

However, efforts to revitalise the peacock population have been going from strength to strength in recent years.

Bruce was the seventh new arrival two years ago, making the trip from Blairgowrie to his new home, while six others were gifted by Tullibole Castle.

Handsome peacock Bruce had to be put down.