An animal visitor attraction within a popular West Lothian country park is set to close due to budget cuts.
The news that the animal attraction at Beecraigs Country Park in Linlithgow will shut down has left local families devastated.
The park, which is the home to Red Deer herd, Highland Cattle fold, Belted Galloways and Hebridean and North Ronaldsay Sheep, is a casualty of significant budget pressures caused by increasing costs.
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The news was confirmed by West Lothian Council last week as they attempt to make savings of approximately £39.4million with £15.5million of savings required in 2023/2024.
Although an exact closing date is yet to announced, it is expected the animal attraction will close its doors by the start of April.
A closure notice written on a whiteboard at the farm also confirmed the news to visitors, as well as the fact that all animals will be "dispersed" over the summer.
Although the park will not be affected by the loss of the animals, the livestock are a huge reason visitors flock to the area and be at one with nature.
A statement on West Lothian Council's website reads: "The Animal Attraction at Beecraigs Country Park is to close later this year
"The council have significant and sustained budget pressures caused by increasing costs and a growing population, which is combined with Scottish Government grant funding not being sufficient to meet the increased costs faced by the council. This results in a budget gap.
"Over the next five years the council estimate that they will have to make savings of approximately £39.4 million with £15.5 million of savings required in 2023/24.
"The council is legally required to balance its budget - therefore the council must make savings.
"A number of budget saving measures have been approved which will allow the council to balance its budget. One of those measures is the closure of the animal attraction. Savings measures overall will be implemented over the next five years with some measures being implemented from April 2023."
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