Reason For Sale
As SOC founders and owners, Rod and Niccy Angus, approach retirement, they want to ensure that the business passes to new owners with a similar ethos and concern for the welfare of owls, their conservation and public environmental education.
Unique Appeal
Although a thriving business, the SOC’s greatest value and appeal is its established reputation as a centre for expertise in owl education and its international contribution to owl conservation. Owning and managing the 150+ owls of the Scottish Owl Centre would be a unique work of love and life-style choice for anyone interested in wildlife education and conservation.
Location and Facilities
• The 0.7acre site, leased from West Lothian Council, is situated in the beautiful Polkemmet Country Park just minutes off Junction 4A of the M8, halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
• Spacious aviaries housing 150 owls from 50 different species.
• Large purpose-built barn seating 300 people for daily flying displays.
• Reception building shared with West Lothian Leisure who manage the 9-hole golf course and general park enquiries. Our half includes reception desk, retail space, small office space and storeroom. We share the staff toilets, and our visiting public use the toilets in the country park. There is an independent café opposite.
Lease, Licence and Accommodation
• The original 15 year lease of the site from West Lothian Council was renewed 3 years early and is now secured until 2041.
• The Zoo licence is due for renewal in 2028.
• The 2 Council owned cottages backing onto the Owl Centre site are currently occupied by SOC owners, Rod and Niccy Angus and by the Head Keeper. One of these would become available to rent.
Facts and Figures
• Visitor numbers 2024: 22,000
• Turnover 2024-25: £262,000 (incl. VAT); £220,000 (excl. VAT)
• Net profit 2024-25: £54,000
• Asking price based on value of business as a 4 Star visitor attraction, turnover, owls, aviaries, staff expertise, reputation and research involvement: £450,000
• Current staff (excluding 2 Owner Managers): 2 full-time keepers, 1 part-time keeper, 2 part-time receptionists, plus several regular volunteers and occasional students on placement.
Awards and Recognition
• 2014 Best Tourism Business, Business Excellence awards, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce.
• 2019 Best Day Out, Scottish Hospitality Awards.
• 2022 Runner Up, Best Day Out, Scottish Hospitality Awards
• 2023 Best Day Out, Scottish Hospitality Awards.
• 2023 Parliamentary Motion lodged by Fiona Hyslop MSP noting the SHA award, business excellence in the hospitality industry, staff dedication and SOC’s contribution to environmental education and conservation. This was read in the Parliament and is permanently marked in the Official records.
Transition and Support
We are committed to a smooth handover and would provide any necessary training and phased support after the sale, ensuring continuity for staff, visitors and the owls in our care.
Serious Enquiries
If you are interested in this unique opportunity, contact us in confidence via mail@scottishowlcentre.com or 01501-228722