SCOTT 'Nipper' Thomson braved the shave with a special Dunfermline Athletic veteran last weekend to raise a staggering amount of cash for Pittencrieff Park's peacocks.

The former ace lent a hand to pal and former colleague Vivian Neil, who worked at the club for as many years as ex-skipper Thomson, after she announced she was going to lose her locks for Dunfermline's famous birds.

As reported last month in the Press, Vivian, 43, who is battling a rare form of blood cancer, credited the Glen's special residents for keeping her going through her illness and lockdown and was keen to give something back.

An incredible £1,800 has been raised for the aviary thanks to Scott and Vivian's head-shave, which took place at the park on Sunday in front of dozens of people who turned up to show their support, including Provost Jim Leishman.

Vivian was facing the prospect of losing her hair with her next treatment when she decided to turn it into a positive experience by doing a charity head-shave.

She said: "I was overwhelmed by the number of people who turned up! And I admit I shed a few tears when I saw my dad and uncle as I didn't know they were going to come.

"I was excited and scared but there was great atmosphere! I just have a really cold head now but I've been given a great peacock hat!

"Scott and Jim are good friends of mine as we all worked at East End Park for years.

"Scott offered to shave his head too and it wasn't as long as mine but he did it!

"It was important for me to do something for the birds because they have done so much for me."

Vivian and Scott also had the support of some of Dunfermline's superheroes too on Sunday which went down a treat for children and many adults too!

Scott told the Press that he reached out to Vivian following the loss of his father to cancer just a couple of months a go. He said: "I've known Vivian a long time and she probably worked at East End longer than me.

"I just lost my father to cancer in February and when I saw what Vivian was doing, I asked if there was anything I could do to help her to get more money.

"I've has a shaved head for 20 years but everyone kept asking me if I'm growing it at the school gates with my lockdown haircut!

"I told them I definitely wasn't and it was coming straight off on Sunday there!

"The whole reason I was doing it though was for Vivian, she arranged it all, I just wanted to help in any way I could.

"You never know when we might need each other and I was delighted to get my shaved head back!

"When Vivian told me it was cold, I said, 'Welcome to my world!"

Joseph Gilmartin, chair of Peacock at Pittencrieff Park, said: "Vivian is a great character and person. She has loved being a volunteer since September last year and the birds love her too.

"We often hear her calling out when their meals are ready and within minutes the birds gather around.

"Despite her health challenges, Vivian is hard-working and extremely dedicated. The funds she has raised will go a long way to support the PiPP."

Vivian would like to thank her friend, Julie Donaldson, from Rosyth's Caraig Hairdressers, for her help on the day.