Feline so proud of new cattery

Animals’ comfort their top priority

An Airdrie couple are “feline” delighted after officially opening their new cattery, in purpose-built accommodation which they helped to design and construct.

Linda and John Hamilton opened the doors of Songbird Cattery, near Riggend, last weekend with a special open day for relatives, friends and new customers.

Now their new building, off Old Biggar Road, is fully operational after a three- year planning and building project; with their first four- legged customers arriving to try out features including larger units for families of cats and even soothing pastel decor.

Linda told the Advertiser: “There’s a feeling of pride when we stand back and look at it.

“You can buy prefab buildings but we wanted to be different and unique.

“I thought about where I’d want to put my own animals, and we went for our own specific design, with big pens and runs.

“It was designed by us, and family members including my husband and my father helped with the building, with most of the inside work. We aren’t tradespeople – I’m a nurse and John is an agricultural engineer.”

She added: “We did a lot of research and found that cats like pastel colours but can be quite startled with white.

“So we’ve gone for homelier colours like pink, blue and green, all done with hospital-standard paints.

“During the planning and building period, we also completed all the required cattery management courses and continuing professional development needed.

“There were times when we never thought we’d get here, but to look at it and think of what we’ve managed to achieve to a very high standard, for building and for animal welfare, makes us very proud.”

Local councillor Andrew Spowart carried out the official opening and praised the “amazing” transformation of the site.

Animal lover Linda – who has three cats of her own, as well as two dogs and two horses – said: “Our family and friends were there to support us; and a few clients who have already booked in.

“The feedback has been very positive.

“We’ve got to know the people and animals who’ll be here and now being able to show the cattery to people has given us a lot of satisfaction.”

Our family and friends were there to support us; and a few clients who have already booked in. The feedback has been very positive Linda Hamilton, Songbird Cattery

Official opening Andrew Spowart, centre, is pictured after cutting the ribbon with cattery owners and family members (from left) Jim Thomson, John and Linda Hamilton and Darren Watson