Park puts money towards redevelopment

Highland Wildlife Park, owned and operated by conservation charity the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), has won £51,700 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The money will be invested into enhancing the park, expanding the Scottish wildcat facility and developing a sustainable volunteer guide and education programme.

Among the redevelopments will be a 350-metre (382-yard) raised walking platform, providing direct access to the park for cyclists and walkers – since it is currently only accessible by vehicle.

Enhancements will also be made to the park’s footpaths and there will be better directional signage, as well as improved disabled access across the 200-acre site.

Furthermore, an audio digital learning guide for visitors to use during their drive-through experience will be introduced.

Plans have also been made for a recruitment and training programme for volunteers who work in key areas of the park, which is set to be in place by the end of 2013. This programme will provide opportunities for local people, potentially students or the unemployed, to gain new skills.

Funding will also enable the creation of learning packs, for use within local schools and community groups to deliver key conservation messages, hopefully inspiring the younger generation to be involved in Scottish and global conservation work.

Daska Mackintosh, the park's visitor services manager, said: "As a totally unfunded conservation charity, these funds will allow RZSS to help reconnect and educate a greater number of individuals with the wonders of nature."