THE Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick has been saved from permanent closure thanks to the support from members of the public.

In May, the charity launched its first public appeal to prevent it from shutting its doors for good, with closing its doors for lockdown leaving a devastating impact on the attraction.

However, its appeal managed to raise more than £200,000 and as a result has led to the launch of a new friends initiative.

Thanks to the “overwhelmingly generous” support of the public, Seabird Centre members, funders and emergency grants, the centre was able to overcome the immediate financial storm and reopen its doors to visitors.

It has now launched a new friends initiative in response to the number of people who wanted to find a way to regularly contribute to the charity.

Susan Davies, CEO of the Seabird Centre, said: “I’d like to say a huge thanks to all our members, funders and supporters for their incredibly generous support.

"They have saved us from a very immediate threat of permanent closure and we will be forever grateful to them.

“It’s been a fantastic start on our road to recovery from the financial impact of Covid-19.

“The incredible response to our appeal shows the support we have for continuing to inspire people about the amazing marine wildlife and habitats found around Scotland’s coasts.

“This has led us to develop and launch our new Friends of the Scottish Seabird Centre scheme. Our new friends, alongside our existing supporters, funders and members, will play a critical role in ensuring that we can continue our vital work in the years ahead.”

Despite the positive news, the centre’s future remains uncertain and staff are preparing for the challenging times ahead.

The centre closed its doors in March, ahead of its peak tourism season.

With this season lost during lockdown and current restrictions reducing normal visitor capacity by nearly 70 per cent, its visitor experience is currently providing a fraction of the funds it needs to continue its work conserving Scotland’s marine environment.

Explaining the significant role the new friends initiative would play in the Seabird Centre’s recovery, Charlotte Bray, fundraising manager, said: “We’ve been so delighted at the amazing response to our appeal.

"Not only have people been giving one-off gifts, but we’ve also seen a rise in people wanting 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 conservation work for the 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. 

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming our first friends on board.”

For more information or to sign up to the scheme, visit seabird.org