SHOPPERS in Dunfermline were greeted with roses this weekend to mark a special date in the Muslim calendar.

Dunfermline Central Mosque took part in the national Mawlid in the City project which was aimed to engage with the wider public by talking about Islam’s values of peace.

The event followed a major celebration in the Islamic community to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

Ajaz Mohammed, chair of Dunfermline Mosque, said the day went well – despite the miserable weather.

"This is the third year we have done this," he explained. "The idea is we create a bit of awareness about Islam and the Muslim religion. Only a couple of weeks ago we celebrated in the Mosque the birthday of the prophet which is an annual celebration we have like Christians celebrate Christmas.

"What we try and do is encourage parents and children from the Mosque who study the Koran to be a part of it. The majority of the people were responsive and were happy to receive the rose and hear how we celebrated.

"The rose project is a national one. It is just to try and send out a positive message. There is so much negativity with Islam and we are trying to do our bit to try and put out the message of peace and love rather than what people hear on the news."