A former gin distillery in southern Scotland could be transformed into a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals, including a lynx, a wolfdog, a turkey vulture and an American red fox.
Eclipse Animal Sanctuary has submitted plans to convert the former distillery site in Dalton, near Lockerbie, into a permanent home for approximately 20 rescued animals and eight pet dogs.
The proposed development aims to provide long-term care for animals that have experienced neglect or require specialist accommodation.
However, the plans must be considered by Dumfries and Galloway Council before the proposed development can receive planning approval.
Former Gin Distillery Set for a New Purpose
The property originally opened as a gin distillery and visitor centre in 2017.
At its peak, the attraction reportedly welcomed up to 20,000 visitors annually. However, it closed in 2023 and was subsequently advertised for sale, with offers starting above £280,000.
Eclipse Animal Sanctuary now hopes to give the former distillery an entirely different purpose.
Its planning application, which is partly retrospective, proposes converting the existing facilities into accommodation for rescued exotic animals.
Unlike the former distillery, the sanctuary would not operate as a commercial tourist attraction or open its facilities to the general public.
According to the planning documents, the proposed development would involve significantly less traffic, noise and general activity than the site’s previous use.
Which Animals Will Live at the Sanctuary?
Eclipse Animal Sanctuary specialises in rescuing, rehabilitating and providing lifelong care for exotic animals.
The sanctuary plans to accommodate approximately 20 rescued animals alongside eight pet dogs.
Its residents include several unusual species that require specialist care and secure accommodation.
Animals at Eclipse Animal Sanctuary
| Animal | Information |
|---|---|
| Lynx | Rescued after facing possible euthanasia |
| Wolfdog | Requires appropriate specialist care and secure accommodation |
| Turkey vulture | One of the sanctuary’s exotic bird residents |
| American red fox | Among the animals identified in the plans |
| Pet dogs | Eight dogs would also live at the property |
The sanctuary says its main purpose is to provide a permanent, secure home for animals that cannot easily be accommodated elsewhere.
It also hopes to encourage greater understanding of exotic animals and the importance of responsible animal care.
Rescuing Animals From Difficult Situations
Many animals at Eclipse Animal Sanctuary have experienced challenging circumstances.
According to a sanctuary representative, its lynx was rescued during the Covid-19 lockdown after facing the possibility of euthanasia.
Several other animals were reportedly rescued from neglect.
The sanctuary says it is entirely self-funded and focuses on providing animals with a safe environment where they can receive appropriate care.
Its work centres on three main goals:
- Rescue: Providing accommodation for exotic animals in need.
- Rehabilitation: Supporting the recovery and well-being of rescued animals.
- Lifelong care: Offering suitable housing and ongoing attention for animals that need permanent homes.
The organisation also aims to promote a better understanding of exotic animals, including species that people may fear or misunderstand.
Specially Designed Enclosures and Animal Safety
Housing exotic animals requires careful planning, particularly when the property is located near working farms.
The sanctuary has acknowledged that neighbouring farmers and residents may have questions about keeping wild animals in the area.
However, a representative explained that livestock from neighbouring farms regularly approach the property’s boundary fencing without reported problems.
The sanctuary also says nearby residents have visited the facility and met some of its animals.
According to the organisation, potentially dangerous animals are housed in specially designed, secure enclosures.
These enclosures are inspected daily and are also subject to annual inspections under the conditions of the sanctuary’s Dangerous Wild Animal licence.
The safety arrangements form an important part of its approach to housing and managing rescued wildlife.
Plans for Permanent Accommodation
In addition to animal enclosures, the planning application proposes creating residential accommodation at the former distillery.
The sanctuary says staff need to remain on-site to provide continuous animal supervision and respond quickly during emergencies.
Because the property is located in a remote rural area, permanent accommodation would also help with security and daily animal care.
While the proposed residential property is being considered, the sanctuary hopes to use an existing static caravan as temporary accommodation.
According to the application, living on-site would make it easier to respond immediately if an animal became ill or another emergency occurred.
Why the Sanctuary Says Its Plans Suit the Area
Eclipse Animal Sanctuary describes its proposal as a small-scale development appropriate for the surrounding countryside.
The organisation argues that its activities would be considerably less intensive than those of the former distillery and visitor centre.
The property would no longer attract large numbers of visitors or operate as a commercial attraction.
Instead, the site would primarily be used for animal care, rehabilitation and daily sanctuary operations.
The planning application presents the project as a form of rural diversification that could give the former commercial property a new purpose.
Dumfries and Galloway Council will consider the submitted plans through its planning process.
Conclusion
The proposed transformation of a former Scottish gin distillery into an exotic animal sanctuary could create a permanent home for approximately 20 rescued animals.
Eclipse Animal Sanctuary hopes to provide specialist care for animals including a lynx, wolfdog, turkey vulture and American red fox.
The organisation says its self-funded approach, secure enclosures and on-site supervision are designed to support animal welfare while reducing potential disruption to the surrounding rural community.
If the necessary planning permissions are granted, the former distillery could begin a new chapter as a dedicated sanctuary for exotic animals in southern Scotland.