The project will see the creation of three immersive wildlife discovery hubs.

The RZSS has received £1.9 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

Today (6 June), the National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced a £1.9 million investment to help the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) create a tourist attraction at Highland Wildlife Park.

The funding will be used to create immersive wildlife discovery hubs across the park, which showcases Scotland's native animals and the nature conservation taking place in the Cairngorms. 

Caroline Clark, the Scottish director of The National Lottery Fund, said: “This is an exciting and much needed project which will improve the experience of visitors and support the tourism economy of the Highlands. Thanks to players of the National Lottery more, and new, visitors to the Park will be able to learn about and enjoy Scotland’s amazing wildlife and biodiversity. We particularly welcome the RZSS team’s ambition to drive environmental sustainability through green building design and a focus on renewable technologies.

“Thanks to funds raised by National Lottery players, we can help Highland Wildlife Park build for the future and improve their vital work, employment and training, as well as build their economic recovery and resilience, while providing a suitable gateway into the wonderful natural environment and habitat of the area.

“Supporting rural economies and the vital tourist venues and facilities in Scotland is central to the work of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and we look forward to work together with organisations and projects throughout the country as we face the future with renewed optimism.”

The attraction will be made up for three interconnected timber-framed hub structures, with the Discovery Hub being the main visitor area. The Discovery Hub will feature interpretation, digital technology, and interactive elements. The other two hubs will be the Learning Hub, which will be a dedicated and accessible learning space, and the Hilltop Hub, which will highlight the conservation work that is happening at the park.

The CEO of RZSS, David Field, commented on the funding: “It is tremendously exciting to be able to move forwards with our plans for Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre at Highland Wildlife Park.

“With this vital support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we can create a truly special, world class experience which will play a pivotal role in inspiring more children, young people and local communities to protect and connect with nature and wildlife.

“Here in the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, the new innovative spaces in our discovery hubs will give visitors the opportunity to find out about Scotland’s wildlife heritage and how they can help with conservation initiatives including our charity’s projects to save native species like the wildcat, pond mud snail and pine hoverfly. This is an initiative that we hope the whole community will get behind.”