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Skye Serpentarium – A Sanctuary for Reptiles

Initially established by Catherine and Alex Shearer as an exhibition and education centre in 1991, the Skye Serpentarium has become a sanctuary for unwanted pets and illegally imported reptiles. With an experienced staff member in attendance to answer any questions, visitors to the centre can view more than fifty animals, ranging from small White’s Tree Frogs through to large Green Iguanas. The centre also does regular handling sessions where visitors can learn interesting facts relating to these often misunderstood creatures.

The award-winning Sky Serpentarium Reptile World has featured on Scottish & Grampian television, as well as on the BBC. As an experienced herpetologist, Catherine Shearer has assisted in the rescue of more than six hundred reptiles and amphibians, many of which have been smuggled into the United Kingdom. Sadly, a large percentage of illegally imported exotic and wild animals die in transit. Sky Serpentarium aims to provide a safe haven for abandoned and rescued reptiles, while at the same time encouraging responsible pet ownership by offering advice and supplying equipment and food to suit the needs of these fascinating animals. By supporting captive breeding programs, the centre hopes to prevent the trade in wild animals. As an educational centre, Skye Serpentarium also aims to promote an understanding of reptiles and in this way soften the public's attitude toward them.

Skye Serpentarium runs regular sessions on handling reptiles, with visitors having the opportunity to touch the animals, and is involved in a variety of educational initiatives. The centre is located alongside Skye’s Broadford Bay, just off the main road between the village of Broadford and Kyleakin. It is open from Easter through to October each year, between the hours of 10am and 5pm Mondays to Saturdays, as well as on the Sundays of the July and August bank holidays. Money raised by the centre is used for the welfare of its residents, so while enjoying an education and entertaining experience, visitors have the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing to the welfare of the amphibians and reptiles at the Skye Serpentarium.

Enjoy the Tranquility of St Andrews Botanic Garden

The St Andrews Botanic Garden, located at the west end of South Street in St Andrews, Fife, has been created as a peaceful haven for visitors to enjoy, as well as providing a venue for education and research. The garden has been designed with boundary vegetation, a coniferous wind-break and shrub borders to create micro-climatic conditions similar to those found in the wild, allowing plants to thrive in their natural habitat.

Innerpeffray Library's Historical Literary Treasures

With the distinction of being the first and oldest free lending library in Scotland, Innerpeffray Library is a popular attraction in the hamlet of Innerpeffray, located by the River Earn in the Perth and Kinross region. Established in 1680 by the third Lord Madertie, David Drummond, and containing a treasure trove of literary works, the library is considered to represent the origins of an era referred to as the Scottish Enlightenment. Initially housed in the loft of St Mary's Chapel, the now extensive collection started with 400 books from the Drummond family's private collection. These were made available to public with the goal of improving and educating the population, particularly young students, as was stated in the founder's will written in 1680.