A MUCH-LOVED family park announced it will close down after 25 years following a rejected bid by the local authority to relocate.
East Links Family Park in Dunbar, East Lothian, decision to shut for good next month has been described as a “huge loss” by locals.
The park attracted families from across the local areas as it hosts a range of activities including animal enclosures, train rides, go-karts, trampolines and a bouncy castle.
However, in a statement, the East Links Family Park revealed the lease for the field the business has rented for the last 25 years has come to an end.
The business added that they had applied for planning permission to move to a new farm just 10 minutes away.
However, the council denied the application and an appeal.
The statement said that the park’s staff, equipment and animals will all be relocated to their Clyde Valley Family Park in South Lanarkshire.
A statement posted on social media by the business read: “East Links Family Park last day will be on the August 31 2026.
“The lease on the field we have rented for the last 25 years is coming to an end.
“We had applied for planning permission to move to a new farm 10 minutes away, but the council denied our application and appeal.
“The family, the wonderful team, our play equipment and the animals will be joining Clyde Valley Family Park, which we started in 2018.
“Thank you all for 25 years of fun and family memories, and we hope you will join us for the next chapter at Clyde Valley Family Park!”
Following the announcement, the business had to close its comments, stating that there was “far too many for us read them all”.
A spokesperson for the business added: “Thank you all for the wonderful outpouring of love and memories!
“It means so much to hear how much the park we created means to you all. Hope to see you all this summer and at Clyde Valley next year!”
Many locals expressed their disappointment of the parks closure with many reminiscing their fond memories at the attraction over the years.
One person wrote: “Huge loss for the area, great for young kids and adults alike, great memories on the bikes and feeding the animals. Loved the goats.
“Was hoping I would get to take my grandkids here one day in the future to recreate the memories.”
Another said: “I remember when the years after it first opened and literally you had a little shed where we bought tickets and some animal food.
“There was literally just the animals the train the barns and the go karts of course and the ski slope my fave, just look how much you have developed this into and how much it is loved and has been loved over the years.
“It’s a huge huge loss for East Lothian. All the best wishes.”
Meanwhile, a third added: “I’m very sad to read this.
“We, like many others, have had many happy family times with you, when our kids were younger.
“These treasured memories include many birthday parties, great Easter events, lovely cafe treats and shed picnics, much bouncing and many fun train rides. Loved the, were they, llamas who came right up to the moving train to be fed.”
