Property photos
Just added
Business
Fixed price
£499,950
(£0.01/sq. ft)
Leisure/hospitality for sale
Scottish Owl Centre, Whitburn, West Lothian EH47From 304,920 - 348,480 sq. ft
Local area information
Property location
Nearby amenities
- Greenrigg Primary School 1 mile
- St Joseph's Primary School (Whitburn) 1 mile
- Blackridge 1.7 miles
- Armadale (West Lothian) 2 miles
These distances are calculated in a straight line. The actual route and distance may vary.
Features and description
-
New Listing
-
Established Business
- Business Sale
- Great Reputation
- Award Winning
- Brand Recognised
- Leasehold
Agent Local are delighted to welcome onto the open market an exclusive opportunity to acquire the renowned Scottish Owl Centre – a truly unique lifestyle business at the heart of Scotland’s wildlife conservation and environmental education efforts.
Set within the beautiful Polkemmet Country Park, just minutes from Junction 4A of the M8 and perfectly positioned halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Scottish Owl Centre offers new owners the rare chance to take the reins of a beloved, award-winning attraction. With over two decades of dedicated stewardship, the current owners and founders are are now preparing for retirement. Their priority is to pass the Centre into the hands of someone who shares their ethos and commitment to the welfare of owls, global conservation, and impactful public education.
While the Centre is a thriving business and popular visitor destination, its greatest value lies in its international reputation as a hub of expertise in owl care, education, and conservation. For the right buyer, managing and caring for over 150 owls from 50 species will be not just a career, but a fulfilling way of life. This is an opportunity for anyone passionate about wildlife to step into a meaningful, established role in conservation.
The Scottish Owl Centre sits on a 0.7-acre leased site from West Lothian Council, surrounded by countryside and within an active public park. The purpose-built facilities include spacious aviaries for the owls and a large indoor flying display barn with capacity for 300 visitors. These daily shows feature trained owls from four continents and offer visitors an inspiring and educational experience. Visitor numbers in 2024 reached 22,000, with steady growth supported by loyal repeat visitors and group bookings.
Reception facilities are shared with West Lothian Leisure, who manage the adjacent 9-hole golf course. The Centre operates its own retail and reception area, as well as office and storage space. Staff facilities are shared, and public visitors use amenities provided within the park. A popular independent café is located directly across from the Centre in the same courtyard, adding to the visitor offering.
The current site lease, originally due for renewal in 2026, was renewed three years early and now extends securely to 2041. The Centre also holds a Zoo Licence, valid until 2028. Two council-owned cottages back onto the site-currently occupied by the outgoing owners and the Head Keeper. Following the sale, one of these charming two-bedroom cottages will become available to rent, providing an ideal on-site living arrangement for new owners or staff.
The Centre is currently managed by the owners with the support of two full-time and three part-time staff, along with a network of regular volunteers and student placements. In addition to its public-facing work, the Centre collaborates with British and European zoos, contributes to conservation projects around the world, and maintains an active research presence through its involvement with international partners such as the International Owl Centre in the usa. The Head Keeper regularly co-hosts live online seminars and attends the World Owl Conference every three years.
The Scottish Owl Centre has been recognised with numerous accolades, including Best Day Out at the Scottish Hospitality Awards (2019 and 2023), and was the subject of a Parliamentary Motion in 2023 acknowledging its excellence, staff dedication, and educational impact.
The current owners are committed to ensuring a smooth and supported handover. Full training and phased transition support will be offered to help maintain continuity for the staff, the visiting public, and, most importantly, the owls in their care.
This is not simply a business acquisition; it is a deeply rewarding lifestyle opportunity. The Scottish Owl Centre embodies the principles of education, inspiration, and conservation-bringing people face-to-face with some of nature’s most charismatic birds, while advancing awareness and action on vital environmental issues.
If you are looking to combine purpose with profession, and have a genuine passion for wildlife and education, this is an extraordinary chance to take on something truly special and we here at Agent Local welcome you to contact us to find out more.
Set within the beautiful Polkemmet Country Park, just minutes from Junction 4A of the M8 and perfectly positioned halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Scottish Owl Centre offers new owners the rare chance to take the reins of a beloved, award-winning attraction. With over two decades of dedicated stewardship, the current owners and founders are are now preparing for retirement. Their priority is to pass the Centre into the hands of someone who shares their ethos and commitment to the welfare of owls, global conservation, and impactful public education.
While the Centre is a thriving business and popular visitor destination, its greatest value lies in its international reputation as a hub of expertise in owl care, education, and conservation. For the right buyer, managing and caring for over 150 owls from 50 species will be not just a career, but a fulfilling way of life. This is an opportunity for anyone passionate about wildlife to step into a meaningful, established role in conservation.
The Scottish Owl Centre sits on a 0.7-acre leased site from West Lothian Council, surrounded by countryside and within an active public park. The purpose-built facilities include spacious aviaries for the owls and a large indoor flying display barn with capacity for 300 visitors. These daily shows feature trained owls from four continents and offer visitors an inspiring and educational experience. Visitor numbers in 2024 reached 22,000, with steady growth supported by loyal repeat visitors and group bookings.
Reception facilities are shared with West Lothian Leisure, who manage the adjacent 9-hole golf course. The Centre operates its own retail and reception area, as well as office and storage space. Staff facilities are shared, and public visitors use amenities provided within the park. A popular independent café is located directly across from the Centre in the same courtyard, adding to the visitor offering.
The current site lease, originally due for renewal in 2026, was renewed three years early and now extends securely to 2041. The Centre also holds a Zoo Licence, valid until 2028. Two council-owned cottages back onto the site-currently occupied by the outgoing owners and the Head Keeper. Following the sale, one of these charming two-bedroom cottages will become available to rent, providing an ideal on-site living arrangement for new owners or staff.
The Centre is currently managed by the owners with the support of two full-time and three part-time staff, along with a network of regular volunteers and student placements. In addition to its public-facing work, the Centre collaborates with British and European zoos, contributes to conservation projects around the world, and maintains an active research presence through its involvement with international partners such as the International Owl Centre in the usa. The Head Keeper regularly co-hosts live online seminars and attends the World Owl Conference every three years.
The Scottish Owl Centre has been recognised with numerous accolades, including Best Day Out at the Scottish Hospitality Awards (2019 and 2023), and was the subject of a Parliamentary Motion in 2023 acknowledging its excellence, staff dedication, and educational impact.
The current owners are committed to ensuring a smooth and supported handover. Full training and phased transition support will be offered to help maintain continuity for the staff, the visiting public, and, most importantly, the owls in their care.
This is not simply a business acquisition; it is a deeply rewarding lifestyle opportunity. The Scottish Owl Centre embodies the principles of education, inspiration, and conservation-bringing people face-to-face with some of nature’s most charismatic birds, while advancing awareness and action on vital environmental issues.
If you are looking to combine purpose with profession, and have a genuine passion for wildlife and education, this is an extraordinary chance to take on something truly special and we here at Agent Local welcome you to contact us to find out more.
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