Musselburgh estate's pigeon family rebuilt with help of crafty supporters
New Flock takes flight after beloved knitted pigeons were stolen from Musselburgh attraction
A wave of crafty supporters have helped rebuild the Musselburgh estates much-loved pigeon family.
A bunch of colourful knitted pigeons has begun taking flight at a Musselburgh estate after its handmade birds were stolen.
Newhailes House & Gardens has been inundated with support from members of the public following the theft of several of its knitted pigeons.
The estate shared a picture on Monday showing a growing collection of the handmade birds, after their supporters began knitting and crocheting their own to help replace the ones that disappeared.
The unusual flock has become a much-loved feature at the National Trust for Scotland property, making the thefts particularly upsetting for staff and visitors.
But the public's response has helped bring some cheer and joy back to the estate.
In a post on social media, Newhailes said it “cannot thank all of our fabulous followers enough” for sending in new pigeons to join the flock.
It added that the new arrivals had “really lifted our spirits” following the “heartbreaking theft” of some of the original birds.
The estate said the response had demonstrated the “kindness and creativity” of its supporters, who had come together to help rebuild its pigeon family. They are now encouraging even more people to get involved.
Anybody who is keen to knit or crochet their own pigeon can contact Newhailes with their email address to receive a pattern.
Newhailes said: “It means so much to see the kindness and creativity of our wonderful supporters coming together to help rebuild our pigeon family.”
The growing collection can now be seen at Newhailes as the estate’s unusual pigeon family continues to be rebuilt.