JUST over one week after starting its first public appeal to save it from closure, the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick has raised almost £60,000.

Started last Wednesday (May 6), the centre launched the urgent appeal with an aim to raise £200,000 by the end of July, which will help see it through lockdown after Covid-19 closed the attraction's visitor centre and stopped its income.

So far, £39,027 has been raised on the online JustGiving page but almost £60,000 has been donated in total.

Opened 20 years ago, the charity is under threat and faces closure if the required amount is not raised.

Those at the Seabird Centre hoped their target could be reached through grant and government funding, but without significant public funding this will not be possible.

Susan Davies, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre said: “In response to Covid-19, we launched the first public appeal in the 20 year history of our charity on May 6, with the backing of both Chris Packham and Simon King. 

“We are delighted with the generosity already shown by the public and our loyal members with nearly £60,000 already donated.

“The warm messages of support we have received have given the team a real morale boost and hope for the future too. 

“We still have a big challenge to meet our £200,000 target by the end of July, through a combination of the public appeal and emergency funding applications but we remain hopeful for the future.  Thank you to all who have shown their support.”

Anyone who wants to make a donation can do so at www.justgiving.com/campaign/SeabirdSOS