As you can see from the Press coverage above, Willows is still struggling to survive. Although many very kind people have already sent a donation  Willows needs this level of support to continue so that it will be able to survive the winter. Please support us if you can.

Staff member Margaret Craig is seen here, June 2007,  with the Anglo Nubian goat kids that are recent arrivals at the sanctuary. The male kids were destined for the freezer until Willows offered them a permanent home. Margaret volunteered to feed them four times a day for their first two weeks and they think of her as mum! The kids have proved to be a great attraction at the sanctuary and lucky visitors can help with bottle feeding them.

News December 2006

We were awarded two grants in December 2006, one from Futurebuilders at Communities Scotland and one from Broadcairn Community Fund. These two grants have given the sanctuary a huge boost. They have enabled us to improve our facilities vastly. The Futurebuilders grant gave us funding for salaries and money to pay for a coffee shop and a new gift shop which will help to make the sanctuary more self financing. The Broadcairn grant funded the construction of a nature trail around the sanctuary and the cost of  laying tarmac to facilitate  full wheelchair access.

Willows would like to say an enormous thank you for both grants 

This winter has been very difficult for the sanctuary. Whilst we have been lucky enough to have been awarded grants in recognition of our animal-assisted therapy work with vulnerable people these grants have been awarded strictly for development work, wheelchair access and salaries for staff and we have received nothing for the cost of looking after the animals. We have also suffered financially due to the necessary closure of the sanctuary while grant–funded refurbishment took place. Our funds at the moment are therefore at an all time low. Whilst our future looks reasonable our current situation is dire and we would be deeply grateful for any help our supporters may feel able to offer. 

Alex Salmond MP was kind enough to open the new coffee shop funded by a grant from Community Scotland Futurebuilders and the new nature trail and full wheelchair access funded by a grant from Broadcairn. Alex has been a wonderful supporter of Willows and has helped enormously with our search for grant funding.

Alex said “I am very pleased to have been able to assist this very worthy venture.” 

As usual Willows has been inundated with new arrivals this winter. 

Isla and Skye - two beautiful Llamas (mother and daughter) who needed a new home together. Llamas are very sensitive animals and require gentle handling. They have settled in well and are proving to be a popular visitor attraction. 

Rocket and Sid

Rocket and Sid (left and right below) who were no longer wanted at a riding school arrived in a very sorry state at the end of April. Both were severely underweight and had badly neglected feet. Luckily our Farrier was here within 2 ours and was able to make their feet comfortable. The vet saw them immediately they arrived and feels that with plenty of care and the right diet that they will soon both be on the road to recovery. 

Cookie

Cookie (below) is two years old and after her mother died a year ago she was left alone and developed severe behavioural problems including kicking people when they tried to leave her stable. Her owners decided to give her to willows and her behaviour two months later is much improved. She has made close friends with Bob a young bullock and is also gradually spending more time with the other donkeys.