Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford and local councillor Evelyn Tweed have welcomed an announcement from the Scottish Government on further financial support for Scotland’s zoos and aquariums to help mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Applications to the £2.5 million in emergency funding opened this week, aimed at supporting animal care and key conservation work.
Scotland is home to world famous institutions including the local Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, which proves a key draw for tourists to the Stirling area.
Bruce Crawford MSP said:
‘Zoos and aquariums provide valuable opportunities to educate the public about the natural world, and often support crucial conservation work. I know these institutions have been hit hard by the ongoing pandemic, with many having lost important peak trading months from reduced tourism and travel across Scotland.
‘This funding will help secure animal welfare, and ensure said organisations will be ready to greet guests once more, after this dreadful pandemic.’
Local councillor for Trossachs and Teith Evelyn Tweed said:
‘Like many of Scotland’s tourism industry, zoos and aquariums have felt the full impact from reduced international travel, and restricted internal travel due to the pandemic. Institutions like Blair Drummond Safari Park make a valuable contribution to Scotland’s tourism industry, so it’s only right that support programmes are offered to ensure their important work can continue.’
Notes:
https://www.gov.scot/news/gbp-2-5-million-emergency-funding-for-zoos-and-aquariums/
