‘Friends’ save seabird centre from permanent closure
The S cottish S eabird Centre has been saved from closure - after more than £200,000 was raised during a public appeal.
The visitor attraction was f o r c e d t o c l o s e i t s d o o r s i n r e s p o n s e t o t h e p a n d e mi c , and was facing potential permanent closure.
H o w e v e r, f o l l o w i n g a n a p p e a l t h e g e n e r o u s s u p - port of the public, members, funders and emergency grants has meant that the S eabird Centre has been able to reopen their doors to the local community and visitors.
The Centre was originally conceived by local businessman and ornithologist, Bill
Gardener MBE, whose vision w a s t o m a k e t h e w i l d l i f e wo n d e r o n t h e B a s s R o c k , now the world’s largest northern gannet colony, accessible to all.
A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e c h a r i t y has launched a new “Friends” initiative in resp onse to the number of people who wanted to find a way to regularly contribute.
Scottish Seabird Centre CEO Susan Davies said: “I’d like to say a huge thanks to all our members, funders and supp or ters for their incredi bly generous support.
“They have saved us from a very immediate threat of permanent closure and we will b e forever grateful to them. It’s b een a fantastic star t on
our road to recovery from the financial impact of Covid-19. The i n c r e d i bl e r e s p o n s e to o u r a p p e a l s h ows t h e s u p - por t we have for continuing to inspire p eople ab out the amazing marine wildlife and habitats found around S cotland’s coasts.”.
Despite the positive news the future remains uncertain and the charit y is preparing for challenging times ahead.
A significant period of their peak tourism season was lost during lockdown and restric
tions have reduced normal visitor capacity by almost 70 per cent.
Fundraising Manager, Charlotte Bray said: “We’ve b een so delighted at the amazing response to our appeal. Not only have people been giving one - off gifts, but we’ve also s e e n a r i s e i n p e o p l e wan ting to give a small donation monthly.
“This is a great opportunity for us. Regular giving is fantastic for our charity as it means we’re able to plan and deliver
our important education and c o n s e r v a t i o n wo r k f o r t h e future, knowing that we have the support.
“The new Friends scheme is particularly designed for people who aren’t able to make use of our membership benefits – for example those who don’t live nearby – but still want to know they are doing their bit to support Scotland’s amazing seabirds and marine environment.”