Family run adventure park and farm shop saved by wildlife centre

Muddy Boots announced its closure last month but has now been saved by the same pairing that took over one of Scotland's most popular wildlife attractions.

Muddy Boots legacy to live on as Scottish Deer Centre and Wildlife park buys trading name and play equipment Muddy Boots via Facebook

Owners of The Scottish Deer Centre and Wildlife Park have stepped in to save Muddy Boots ahead of its closure.

Locals were devastated when the family-run adventure play area announced its closure in September.

A post shared on the Facebook page said that the owners, Paddy and Treina, had made the decision to spend more time with their family.

The play area and farm shop in Balmalcolm, near Kingskettle, had been up for sale since May of this year.

However, parts of the adventure play area are set to live on thanks to Deer Centre co-owners David Hamilton and Gavin Findlay.

The pair have bought the famous sledging hill and giant bouncing pillow as well as the trading name.

Their business will now become The Scottish Deer Centre and Wildlife Park featuring Muddy Boots.

The duo previously saved the Deer Centre from administration in 2021, and have since opened an indoor play area.

Sarah Rice, the manager of the Deer Centre, said that the staff are “happy” and “excited” about the addition.

“It’s lovely that we can carry on the legacy after so many families were sad about the closure”, Ms Rice told STV News.

The Muddy Boots section will even more to the location with 13 species of deer as well as European brown bears and a golden eagle, oh my!

The attraction will be run on a play-as-you-please offer meaning visitors can pay what they afford.

Muddy Boots is set to close on October 15, but visitors will be able to enjoy some of their favourite attractions at the Deer Centre by November, 8.

The business is set to expand next year with bigger builds like swings and a water slide on the way.

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