Animal centre begins the hunt for a new home
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A POPULAR Highland animal rescue centre is being forced to leave its premises as a result of rising business costs.
The Scottish Exotic Animal Rescue (SEAR) centre, which is home to dozens of reptiles and spiders, has been based at Cantraybridge College since 2011.
However founder Nick Martin revealed he is being forced to downsize as a result of increasing overheads.
"The truth is that SEAR has been struggling financially for a while now because of the financial climate," he said. "Overheads are getting bigger, but our income has shrunk.
"I met with our landlord, Cantraybridge College, to explain that I needed to move to smaller premises which will be more affordable and manageable for my charity in the future.
"Cantraybridge has been amazing in its support for SEAR down the years and I cannot thank them enough.
"I've also really enjoyed working with the students at the college.
He added: "I agreed with Cantraybridge that I'd move out on August 20, but they are happy for me to stay a bit longer to make sure I can get homes for all the animals."
Cantraybridge College declined the Courier's request for a comment but said on its Facebook page: "We are sad to tell you that Nick has decided to close his premises at Cantraybridge. For personal reasons, Nick wants to move to smaller premises that will be more manageable for him.
"We are doing all we can to help Nick with a smooth transition, from finding premises to transporting the animals.
Mr Martin is now on the hunt for smaller accommodation for the dozens of animals in his care, and urged the public to help him find a new home for the charity.
He said: "I'm searching for new premises – if anyone knows of anywhere that's about 15 x 8m, with electricity, good insulation and preferably toilets, please get in touch with me as soon as possible."
Anyone able to help should contact martinscreatures@btinternet.com or call 07758 851252.
