Dunfermline: Bygone days in Pittencrieff Park enjoyed by many

This image features in the ‘Old Dunfermline’ calendar that has been produced for 2024 featuring archive images of the City of Dunfermline over the past century, many of which have featured in ‘Memory Lane’ over the years. The photographs highlight many of the changes that have taken place in the ancient capital of Scotland.

The paddling pools were a favourite attraction and were situated close to Pittencrieff House.

Eileen Carrick recalls how popular they were: “I spent many a summer's day in this paddling pool and the slightly deeper one next to it. Fantastic days. No life guards, just children enjoying a paddle, or a lie down, on a warm day. Great memories.”

Chloe Johnston would like to see such an attraction make a comeback, noting that other places in Scotland have such features: “Bring it back! The Falkirk Wheel has a splash park area and so does the Kelpies and Burntisland. Dunfermline is missing out. We go to these places quite often and the kids love them.”

Ann Ank also recalls making use of the pools as well as the variety of other facilities on offer on a hot day: ”Brings back lots of happy memories of a place where we met with cousins, family, gala days where whole families gathered together, had fun days out, enjoyed the greenhouses and gardens, played at the park… my three favourites being the big old chute… straight down onto the tarmac in those days! And the make believe road system where I enjoyed going around on the trikes and, of course the paddling pools. 1976 was also the year I married so I do remember that summer.

"The Glen has always been my favourite childhood place as we stayed in William Street when I was a tot. In fact my parents had to move from there due to a compulsory purchase order on the houses on the left side of William Street to allow for widening of the road. I am now 66 years old and the road has never been widened!”

The old aviary next to Pittencrieff House. (Image: Contributed)

The next colourised old postcard shows the area before the construction of the paddling pools when an aviary occupied the site near Pittencrieff House.

Pittencrieff Park waterfall. (Image: Contributed)

Our final image is another old postcard showing the waterfall in Pittencrieff Park.

We know this image was taken in the very early 20th century as the card was sent from Dunfermline and postmarked August 4, 1908, and addressed to a Miss Fraser, in Littleton Cottage in Ardersier with the following detailed message: "Very busy washing. Could you please send at once the number of yards of silk for a blouse. Mrs MacCurry is going home on Saturday and Auntie would send it with her."

The ‘Old Dunfermline’ calendar is on sale in the shops in Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries and Abbot House. It is also available online at olddunfermline.com/shop.

More images like these can also be seen in the Local Studies Department of Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, as well as at facebook.com/olddunfermline.