THE Scottish Seabird Centre has launched an urgent appeal to raise £200,000 to save it from closure after the impact of Covid-19.

The charity says the North Berwick centre, which is East Lothian's most visited tourist attraction, is facing a “financial cliff edge”.

This is its first public appeal since opening 20 years ago, something they say “signals the urgency of our situation”.

A spokesperson said that without public support the Seabird Centre, which receives more than 260,000 visitors a year, will not survive the current crisis and may have to close for good.

The centre hope that their target can be reached through grant and government funding but without significant public support this will not be possible.

Susan Davies, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: “We appreciate that these Covid-19 times are unprecedented and extremely unsettling for everyone, but we are facing a financial cliff edge.

“We need public support to help us come through our current closure, the period that should have been the liveliest and busiest part of our year.

“If we cannot secure the funds to see us through the lockdown period, we will have to take the heartbreaking decision to close, losing a 20-year legacy of conservation and education work and a valuable learning and tourism offer for East Lothian and further afield.”

Despite being a national charity, the centre is independent and relies heavily on the income from their Discovery Experience, which closed on March 19 a few days before lockdown began.

The centre also provides education programmes and other events, such as live science shows, which were all cancelled last month and remain cancelled this month.

It is thought that further events could be cancelled depending on the continued need for social distancing.

The Seabird Centre also supports several local groups and events such as Fringe By The Sea, the Countryside Rangers and North Berwick in Bloom.

A spokesperson for the Seabird Centre added: “Having taken all possible steps to reduce costs, we simply cannot continue without additional support.

“Over our 20-year history, we have won multiple awards for tourism and sustainability and lead a range of high-profile conservation and education projects.

“Public donations will support us through the lockdown period and allow us to get back on track to deliver, our vital education and conservation work.”

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/SeabirdSOS

The centre was created thanks to a community ‘buy a brick’ drive, with many of those involved in the original appeal still a part of the centre.

Iain Gray, East Lothian's MSP, said: "Many third sector organisations and groups are facing serious financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of these is the Scottish Seabird Centre, which undertakes such excellent conservation and education work. Without the vital income from its Visitor Centre, the charity’s future is under threat.

"I have already written to the Scottish Government urging it to support the centre financially, but I welcome this urgent appeal the charity has launched to help raise additional funds. I’m sure that many people here in East Lothian and across the country will want to help the Centre get through this crisis and continue its important work afterwards."

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council spokesperson for economic development and tourism, said: “As one of East Lothian’s five star visitor attractions, I hope as many people as possible will support this appeal.

"I’m sure many families from East Lothian and beyond have had wonderful experiences at the Seabird Centre and will want to help preserve that for future generations.

"East Lothian Council is doing all it can to help support our vibrant local businesses and third sector organisations through the current Coronavirus crisis.

"There is information on a number of funding streams, and direct support and advice available from our council teams, all accessible viawww.eastlothian.gov.uk/coronavirus”

The campaign has also been backed by well-known naturalists and broadcasters Chris Packham and Simon King.

Chris said: “The Seabird Centre is a place where people can learn about the birds, their biology and their conservation and have a great cup of tea and slice of cake!

“Its recent refurbishment has made it even better.

“Connecting people with nature, generating an affinity for it and then drawing upon this love to prompt proper conservation has never been more important.

“So please do whatever you can to support the centre through these challenging times.”

Simon added: “The Scottish Seabird Centre plays a vital role in bringing us closer to the magnificent natural heritage of our seas by providing state of the art interpretation and educational facilities to thousands of people.

“It does tremendous work in the field of conservation and protection of this most precious natural asset.

“It’s survival through these challenging times and long into the future is paramount to our continued appreciation and understanding of the entire marine ecosystem upon which our very survival ultimately depends.”