Statue of Andrew Carnegie

The statue of Andrew Carnegie stands on the main axis of Pittencrieff Park, along the lime avenue Fife Council points out as one of the park’s tree walks. It’s the figure you come to if you want a single image of the man who bought the estate and opened it as a public park. Richard Goulden’s large bronze, on a stepped granite pedestal, was completed in 1914; the bronze was founded by Ashburton of Thames Ditton, and the granite work was by D. H. and J. Newall of Dalbeattie.

Historic Environment Scotland notes that it commemorates the man who created the public park, and that it was paid for by public subscription while Carnegie was still alive (1835–1919). A bronze foliate frieze on the pedestal includes a plaque recording details of his life. Goulden also sculpted bronzes at the Carnegie Baths and, according to the park inventory, the Ambition Fountain west of Pittencrieff House.

It’s an easy stop on a walk through the Glen, rather than a destination that needs planning. The park is open all year, 24 hours; the formal approach is from the Louise Carnegie Gates, and there’s free parking at Pittencrieff Street. The statue is Category B listed. Stand there, read the plaque, and then go on to the house, the glen or the tower — the park is the real memorial, and this is the marker in the middle of it.