Nearly 24,000 people visited Almond Valley in Livingston last month, marking a 12 per cent increase on the same period last year, as families sought more affordable summer days out. The attraction, a registered charity and Scotland's only accredited rare breed farm, spans 23 acres and is home to around 130 animals.
Poncho the donkey and summer programme draw crowds
Families flocked to meet the resident star, Poncho McTominay, a Mediterranean donkey whose football score predictions made him a local legend during this year's World Cup. Despite Scotland's group stage hopes ending sooner than fans had hoped, Poncho's popularity endured.
The attraction kept the summer magic alive with its Festival of Myths and Legends, featuring giant dragons, storytelling and a Dragon Keepers trail, followed by aerial theatre that brought circus-inspired drama to the heart of Almond Valley.
From grassroots campaign to community hub
The bumper summer marks the latest chapter for the charity, which began as a grassroots campaign to save a historic mill and waterwheel from ruin. What started as locals protecting a piece of West Lothian's heritage has grown into the region's most successful enterprise, welcoming over 145,000 visitors a year.
Pebbles the alpaca, described by the team as "playful, unpredictable and a bit of a diva," is becoming known for her distinctive patches, sweet face and occasional spit. But the animals are only part of the appeal; for many visitors and volunteers, Almond Valley has become a place of routine, connection and respite.
Affordable access and community impact
Almond Valley works closely with local schools, families and community organisations, keeping entry costs accessible with prices starting at £11.50 for children aged two to 15, with under-twos going free. "We've seen more families come through the doors over summer - and what's been lovely is seeing them not only respond to one event, but to the whole Almond Valley experience," said Jen Howard-Coombes, Director at Almond Valley.
"We know a lot of families are struggling right now, and budgeting can be a pressure, so we've worked really hard to keep Almond Valley as affordable as possible. A day out shouldn't be out of reach, and every ticket goes straight back into caring for the animals and the site. This place belongs to the community as much as it does to us."
Almond Valley, which opened to the public in 1990, is one of the area's biggest local employers with around 50 staff, volunteers and craftspeople caring for the animals and building many experiences by hand. "Our biggest asset is our people," Jen said. "There are people of all ages and backgrounds for whom Almond Valley really matters - for some it's a family day out, for others it's become somewhere they feel at home. The site will never feel overly polished or corporate, and that's by design - it has a lot of heart, and we've grown around its history and the people who've given their time and skills to it."
From goat feeding and alpaca walks to Christmas magic, Almond Valley runs a packed year-round programme, including a Halloween activity set to bring fire, folklore and spookiness to the site this autumn.
