The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Wildlife park on sale for those in search of ‘next adventure’
ATTRACTION: Auchingarrich owners preparing for retirement
A popular Perthshire wildlife park is being offered for sale to enthusiastic new owners “seeking adventure”.
The attraction at Auchingarrich, near Comrie, is on the market – complete with meerkats, otters and lemurs – as its owners prepare for retirement.
The Scott family has run the 130-acre wildlife centre for 10 years and transformed it into a thriving business with more than 60,000 visitors a year.
“Having always been in the hospitality industry we jumped at the chance of owning it when it came up for sale 10 years ago. It represents the perfect work-life balance and fitted in with our outdoor lifestyle,” said owner Andrew Scott.
“The time has now come for us to retire and pass on Auchingarrich to its next set of enthusiastic owners who I’m sure will enjoy living here, as well as running this fun-filled family business as much as we did.”
Mr Scott said there had already been some interest in the sale.
The park, six miles east of Crieff, boasts a three-year average turnover of £585,000, and includes a coffee shop, two play areas, an outdoor adventure playground and enclosures for exotic and farm animals.
There is also a hatchery and animal feeding pens. Four bait and fly-fishing ponds are on site and are stocked with rainbow trout from Easter until October.
Selling agent Galbraith said the fivebedroom Auchingarrach Farmhouse, with three reception rooms, three bathrooms and a study, is also included.
A price has not been disclosed. Harry Stott, senior associate at Galbraith, said: “Auchingarrich Wildlife Park is located in a highly sought-after location ideal for tourism related business. The business has a proven financial track record and is of an exceptional standard.”
He added: “The Torlum Coffee Shop is available for private hire for evening events or small intimate weddings, adding another business income.
“We also believe there are good prospects of further diversification on the park in the form of developing selfcatering accommodation on-site, such as chalets or glamping pods, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.”
Mr Scott added: “Many improvements have been made under the current ownership, not least the development of a network of internal roads and pathways leading to the animal enclosures and attractions. The park has been immaculately maintained and is very well presented.
“The sale of Auchingarrich Wildlife Park will very much appeal to the lifestyle buyer seeking their next adventure in a stunning part of rural Perthshire.”
The wildlife centre has been part of the area since the early 1990s and has a zoo licence from Perth and Kinross Council.