While a fortune-telling donkey is not the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Scotland, it is certainly a memorable experience, nevertheless. During the World Cup, Poncho McTominay made some score predictions, entertaining guests throughout. As a result, the rare breed farm has received 24,000 visitors in July alone!
Almond Valley is a rare breed farm in Livingston, just a 40-minute drive from Glasgow, and is home to star donkey Poncho McTominay. The football-predicting lady has helped the farm receive a record number of visitors, attracting Scots to witness the greatness.
What is more, Almond Valley boasts 130 animals for visitors to marvel at, spanning 23 acres. Plus, the spot is the only rare breed farm in Scotland and is a registered charity. It is packed with things to do, from tractor and train rides to play areas galore, plus a museum telling the story of Scotland’s shale oil boom and the West Lothian communities shaped by it.
While Scotland didn’t last in the World Cup, Pocho the Donkey remains just as popular as ever, becoming something of a local celebrity.
However, Poncho is not the only star at Almond Valley – Pebbles the alpaca, described by the team as “playful, unpredictable and a bit of a diva,” is stealing the hearts of visitors with her “sweet face and occasional spit”. Well, we’ll know not to get too close to Pebbles…
“We’ve seen more families come through the doors over summer – and what’s been lovely is seeing them not only respond to one event, but to the whole Almond Valley experience,” said Jen Howard-Coombes, Director at Almond Valley.
“We know a lot of families are struggling right now, and budgeting can be a pressure, so we’ve worked really hard to keep Almond Valley as affordable as possible,” added Jen.
“A day out shouldn’t be out of reach, and every ticket goes straight back into caring for the animals and the site. This place belongs to the community as much as it does to us.”
“Our biggest asset is our people,” Jen said. “There are people of all ages and backgrounds for whom Almond Valley really matters – for some it’s a family day out, for others it’s become somewhere they feel at home. The site will never feel overly polished or corporate, and that’s by design – it has a lot of heart, and we’ve grown around its history and the people who’ve given their time and skills to it.”
Plenty of things to do at Almond Valley
Almond Valley is looking forward to a packed schedule for the upcoming seasons, with goat feeding and alpaca walks, Halloween activities and Christmas magic.
Summer activities
Goat Feeding Session
Every day from Friday 26 June – Monday 17 August, then Friday – Sunday only from Saturday 15 August, 11.15am
£1 per feed pot, advance booking advised
*Goat Feeding Sessions take place on Fridays at 3.15pm during school term time.
Alpaca Feeding Session
Every day from Friday 26 June – Monday 17 August, then weekends only from Saturday 15 August, 2.15pm
£1 per feed pot, advance booking advised
Alpaca Walks
Any day, 3pm. £30 participation rate, £13 supporting adult.
Train Rides
Every day from Friday 26 June – Monday 17 August, then weekends only from Saturday 15 August.
11.30am / 12.30pm / 1.30pm / 2.30pm / 3.30pm, £2 per person (under 1s go free)
Tractor Rides
Every day from Friday 26 June – Monday 17 August, then weekends only from Saturday 15 August.
11am / 12pm / 1pm / 2pm / 3pm / 4pm. £1 per person (under 1s go free)
To book you spot, head to the Almond Valley website.
