MONEY raised in the wake of the shocking attack on Dunfermline's peacocks is likely to be spent on improving security at the aviary.

More than £15,000 has been donated, by more than 1,000 people, after one of the birds was "horribly tortured and killed" while another was left badly injured.

Joe Gilmartin, chair of the Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park group, said a number of companies had offered to help with the installation of CCTV, to try to ensure the peacocks are safe and nothing like this ever happens again.

He said they had been "overwhelmed" by the public response and added: "The funds will be put to good use to improve the area.

"We've already had some people offer support with CCTV and other security elements are being considered.

"There will also be some repair work and vet bills."

He said discussions would need to take place with other stakeholders – as they share the facilities in the Glen – as well as Fife Council, who manage the park, and the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, who own it.

The building's electrics would also need to be upgraded.

The council's community manager for Dunfermline, Andrew Gallacher, said: "We're carrying out internal and external surveys of the entire steading, including the aviary, to see what improvements can be made.

"We'll continue to liaise with the Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park Group to support them during this time."

The attack took place on the night of Monday, May 30.

A few days later, on Thursday June 2, Fife police announced that they had traced two children, aged 13 and 11, "in relation to the incident" at the aviary in the Glen.

A report for the older child has been "submitted through the Youth Justice System".

The younger child is below the age of criminal responsibility in Scotland, which was raised from eight to 12 last December.

There is no CCTV in the Glen – and there are doubts about the effectiveness of cameras in the city centre in general, after a restaurant owner said he was told by police earlier this year that the camera at the Louise Carnegie Gates, at the bottom of Bridge Street, "hadn't worked for years".

It was thanks to a member of the public, who followed the two youths out of the park, that they were caught on camera.

Information was passed on to the police who identified the children from CCTV images taken in the Bothwell Street area.

Councillor James Calder, the new convener of the City of Dunfermline area committee, said: "Like everyone else, I was horrified when I heard what had happened.

"The community response has been incredible, the level of support that's been given has just been amazing to see.

"I have spoken with council staff and we are looking at discussing with all involved what further support we can provide to try and make sure this type of horrendous incident does not occur again in the future."

Malcolm was killed in the attack and the surviving peacock, Louis, was left with "numerous injuries" with the most concerning those to his leg and neck.

Volunteer Suzi Ross posted a photo of lead volunteer Carlyn Cane tending lovingly to the stricken bird, giving him his medication and cleaning his wounds.

Earlier this week, she said: "She is spending a lot of time with him, reassuring him he is safe and not all humans are bad.

"Louis is doing well, trying to walk, which is a good sign, he is fighting. But still not out of the dark woods yet."

Mr Gilmartin said that a vet confirmed on Tuesday that the bird's leg is broken and will take time to heal.

Gillian Taylor, chief executive of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, said: "The trust were saddened to hear about the terrible, cruel incident at the peacock aviary.

"The peacocks are iconic in Pittencrieff Park and are cared for so professionally and lovingly by the dedicated peacock group.

"Despite such a shocking act, it has been reassuring to see how the community have rallied round with support and funding."