Pittencrieff Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pittencrieff Park |
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| The Glen | |
The Louise Carnegie Gates are the main entrance to Pittencrieff Park.
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| Type | Parkland, woodland, gardens |
| Location | Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland |
| Area | 76 acres (31 ha) |
| Created | 1903 |
| Founder | Andrew Carnegie |
| Operated by | Fife Council |
| Visitors | 750,000 |
| Status | Open all year |
| Awards | Best Park in Scotland |
| Website | [1] |
Pittencrieff Park, which locals often call "The Glen," is a large public park in Dunfermline, Scotland. It is famous because it was a gift to the town from Andrew Carnegie, a very wealthy businessman who grew up in Dunfermline. He bought the park in 1902 and gave it to the people a year later.
The park is special because it has a deep, rocky valley called a glen running through it. This glen is an important part of Dunfermline's history. It was the original site of Malcolm's Tower, and you can still see what are thought to be its ruins on a rocky cliff. The park is located near other historic sites like Dunfermline Palace and Dunfermline Abbey.
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History of the Park
A Gift from Andrew Carnegie
Before it was a public park, the area was a private property called the Pittencrieff Estate. In 1902, Andrew Carnegie bought the estate from its owner, Colonel James Maitland Hunt. Carnegie's goal was to give the beautiful land back to the people of his hometown.
When he donated the park, a special group called the Dunfermline Carnegie Trust was created. This trust was given money to take care of the park and make sure it stayed a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy.
Planning a New Park
The new trust wanted to make the park a great space for the community. They asked for ideas on how to develop it. Two famous experts submitted plans. One was Patrick Geddes, a world-renowned city planner. The other was Thomas Mawson, a landscape designer.
Even though neither of their full plans was used, their ideas helped shape the park into what it is today. More features were added later, like the grand entrance gates designed by architect Robert Lorimer in 1908.
Pittencrieff House Museum
At the heart of the park is Pittencrieff House. This historic building was first built in the 15th century. A later owner, Sir Alexander Clerk, made it bigger around 1635, adding two more floors.
Between 1911 and 1913, the house was renovated to become the Pittencrieff House Museum. Two bedrooms were turned into long galleries to display art and museum exhibits. The museum taught visitors about the park's history, nature, and even had displays on dinosaurs and fossils. The museum later closed when the nearby Dunfermline Carnegie Library opened a larger exhibition space.
What to See and Do in the Park
The park is full of interesting features and fun activities for visitors.
Famous Landmarks
Near the park's northern edge, you can find a statue of Andrew Carnegie that was put up in 1914. There is also a unique round tower called a dovecot, which was built around 1770 for keeping pigeons or doves. The main entrance, known as the Louise Carnegie Gates, was opened in 1928 in honour of Carnegie's wife.
In 2011, a special bench was placed in the park to remember the rock musician Stuart Adamson, who grew up nearby. Fans paid for the bench and chose lyrics from his songs to be carved on it.
Animals and Playgrounds
Pittencrieff Park is home to an aviary with nine resident peacocks, which are known for their beautiful feathers. The park also has a large greenhouse, three different playgrounds for kids, and a former petting zoo.
Sports and Fitness
For those who like to stay active, the park hosts the Dunfermline Parkrun, a free, weekly 5-kilometre run, which started in July 2015. Fitness groups also run outdoor exercise classes in the park's scenic environment.
Friends of Pittencrieff Park
A charity group called the Friends of Pittencrieff Park was formed in 2004. This group of volunteers works hard to keep the park beautiful. They work with Fife Council and the Carnegie Trust to make sure "The Glen" is a top attraction for both locals and tourists.
The Friends group raises money for projects like updating the play areas. They also help create and maintain the park's orchard and sensory garden, look after flower beds, and work on many other projects to improve the park for everyone.
