The Story Behind Every Painted Pebble & the Community Born from Pain Transformed into Purpose
"Nobody is perfect. We all have flaws; we're all a bit wonky in some way. Just like the pebbles that we paint."
Click on each milestone to explore Culsans' transformation
When everything changed
Woodmill High School burns to the ground. With undiagnosed autism, adapting to new schools, new rules, and new environments becomes an overwhelming struggle. This marks the beginning of a journey through adversity.
Pandemic and decline
COVID-19 brings online learning - impossible for someone who can only work in person. Meanwhile, father Eddie's hypoplastic anemia, diagnosed in 2012, worsens dramatically. The family faces isolation and mounting fear.
The final blow
March 2021: Eddie King passes away after a coma, just days after his birthday. Mental health reaches breaking point. Laughter in the funeral car, refusing to believe reality. Self-harm begins as the final blow hits.
Fighting for life
Four years, four suicide attempts, four relationships. Battling self-harm and deteriorating mental health while supporting family through grief. Every day becomes a fight for survival and meaning.
Finding purpose in pigeons
Feeding pigeons in Edinburgh becomes therapeutic. Beautiful conversations with strangers, children holding pigeons, community forming around kindness. Meeting Opal on Gumtree for ยฃ10 changes everything.
Pain becomes purpose
The Dunfermline Pigeon Pebble Project is born. Using Every Thought Creative's downtime to help the local community and favorite animals. Turning personal struggle into community healing.
Beloved Father โข Passed March 2021 โข Lost to Hypoplastic Anemia
"In loving memory of Eddie King - whose courage in facing illness and unwavering love for his family continues to inspire every act of kindness in our community. Though hypoplastic anemia took him from us in March 2021, just days after his birthday, his spirit lives on in every painted pebble and every moment of connection we create."
"Every pigeon we help, every pebble we paint, every person we support - it's all in honor of the love he gave us."
The ยฃ10 pigeon who changed everything - a symbol of hope, second chances, and the beauty found in the overlooked
A rescued pigeon who became a symbol of transformation. Sometimes the most precious things come with the smallest price tags, and sometimes salvation comes from the most unexpected places.
Just like Opal was overlooked and undervalued, so are many people in our community. Everyone deserves love, acceptance, and the chance to find their flock - their place where they belong.
From feeding pigeons in Edinburgh as therapy to adopting Opal - these misunderstood birds taught us about resilience, community care, and finding healing in unexpected relationships.
Every pebble we paint represents breaking stereotypes - both about pigeons and about people. Everyone deserves love, kindness, and acceptance, regardless of how society views them.
This philosophy, born from Opal's story, reminds us that beauty exists in imperfection, and every 'wonky' soul deserves love and belonging.
Turn personal struggles into community healing through creative expression and shared hope.
Every painted pebble is a message of hope, reminding someone that they matter and are not alone.
Challenge stereotypes about both pigeons and people while creating connections across Dunfermline.
"The Dunfermline Pigeon Pebble Project transforms painted pebbles into messengers of hope, spreading kindness throughout our community while challenging stereotypes. Every pebble placed is a reminder that someone cares, someone is listening, and that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone."
Amazing people who believe in our mission and help us spread hope throughout Dunfermline
Spreading business wisdom, positive energy, and entrepreneurial spirit throughout our community initiatives. A champion of turning business success into social impact.
Bringing joy and community connection through digital platforms while proudly sponsoring our mission. A true legend who proves age is just a number when it comes to making a difference.
"When we have downtime from creative work, we invest that time in our local community and helping our favorite animals. Business success means nothing if we don't use it to lift others up and create meaningful change."
Whether you're struggling, healing, or thriving - there's a place for you in our community. Together, we're proving that from the deepest pain can come the most beautiful purpose. Every story matters, every person counts, and no one fights alone.
๐ "Nobody is perfect. We all have flaws; we're all a bit wonky in some way. Just like the pebbles that we paint."
Every pebble tells a story. What will yours say?
A journey from darkness to light through painted pebbles and community healing.