The Scottish Deer Centre has found new buyers since its previous owners entered administration last year.

We have been closed since April last year, initially due to the covid-19 lockdown and then due The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Limited entering administration.

The Centre has now found a new lease of life having been successfully bought by local gaming entrepreneur David Hamilton and Dundee businessman Gavin Findlay.

David Hamilton became aware of the Centre’s troubles following a news story in the local press featuring local MP Wendy Chamberlain who was concerned for the Centre’s future.

Following reading about the article, the two local businessman contacted The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Limited’s Joint Administrators to the Company from specialist business advisory firm FRP and the local MP to begin a purchase offer and proceedings.

Following discussions, the sale has now been agreed for an undisclosed sum and the two local businessmen are excited to grow on what has already been built at the Deer Centre to keep it a popular tourist attraction for families both local and from across Scotland.

David Hamilton said:

“I have lived in Wormit all my life, with my Dad growing up in Cupar and the deer centre has always been somewhere we went.

“I was devastated that I wasn’t able to take my kids to see Santa there last year.

“When I found out it was due to the park unfortunately falling into Edinburgh Woollen Mill troubles, I got in touch with Wendy Chamberlain MP who helped with the purchase.

“I would also like to thank previous owner Philip Day from the EWM Group who personally phoned me to wish us well on something that meant a lot to him and his family.”

Gavin Findlay added:

“I love the outdoors and the welfare of animals.

With a young family myself, I am really excited to see what we can do to the park.

“It has a great team of staff and can’t wait to announce soon the plans we have along with getting the park back open when the guidelines allow us to.”

Local MP for North East Fife, Wendy Chamberlain said:

“I’m pleased that the Scottish Deer Centre has new ownership enabling it to stay open.

“The Deer Centre is a valuable business here in North East Fife, creating jobs and supporting the local economy as a tourist attraction for locals and people across Scotland alike.

“This new chapter for them presents an opportunity for reinvigoration and new opportunities going forward which I will be excited to see come to life.

“Having liaised with David to see this sale go ahead I look forward to liaising with them in future and I am excited to see what they have in store for the Scottish Deer Centre’s future.”

Tony Wright, Partner at FRP and Joint Administrator of The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Limited, said: “The Scottish Deer Centre is a much-loved park. We’re pleased to have secured new owners and custodians of the site who can take it forward for families to enjoy well into the future. We wish the team all the best with their new venture.”

The new owners are hoping to have the park open for Spring Bank Holiday weekend on Friday 28^th May.