Park History
Our history
When Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park first opened, it was an immediate hit. Cars stretched for miles as the park filled to capacity, with eager visitors ready to experience Scotland’s first safari adventure. From the beginning, Blair Drummond has been a place of excitement, discovery, and a deep love for wildlife. We’re proud to say that these values still hold true today, and we’re always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our guests while staying true to our mission of conservation and education.
Who owns the safari park?
Blair Drummond Safari Park opened to the public in 1970 and has been owned and run by the Muir family ever since. Still managed by the Muirs, we’re proud of the legacy that has shaped the park into the unique wildlife attraction you see today.
Blair Drummond House
Overlooking our giraffe habitat, you’ll see the stunning Blair Drummond House. Between 1916 and 1977, this was the family home of the Muirs. Today, the house serves as a residential home for adults with learning disabilities and is managed by The Camphill Trust.
The Birth of Blair Drummond Safari
In the late 1960s, Sir John Muir set out to create something special on the family’s Blair Drummond estate. Inspired by the success of Longleat, he worked with Jimmy Chipperfield, a former circus producer and pioneer of safari parks, to bring the concept to Scotland.
In 1970, the park opened as Scotland’s African Safari Park, reflecting its ambition to offer an authentic safari experience. It quickly became a must-visit attraction, giving people the chance to see incredible animals up close in a way they never had before.
55 years of conservation and fun!
This year, we’re celebrating a major milestone – our 55th birthday! For more than five decades, we have offered an exciting, fun and educational experience for families. We’re planning to celebrate with a big birthday party in May – more information to come!
The park today
As a privately owned business, we are entirely self-funded and don’t receive grants or external funding. This means that every part of the park is supported through ticket sales, in-park revenue and product sales.
The park is currently run by Hector Muir – grandson of the original founder, Sir John Muir. We recently named our brand-new train, Hector, after him.
Our commitment to conservation
Caring for animals has always been at the heart of Blair Drummond Safari Park. Every day, our dedicated team works to ensure our animals receive the best possible care. But our impact extends far beyond the park.
Through Link to the Wild, we support grassroots conservation projects around the world. These initiatives help protect endangered species, restore habitats, and educate communities about wildlife conservation.
Why is Blair Drummond Safari Park closed in winter?
Every year, we close from late December to mid-March. This break allows us to carry out essential maintenance and repairs. It also gives us the opportunity to undertake new construction projects. We aim to continually improve the park for both our animals and visitors. While we’re closed to the public, we’re always hard at work behind the scenes to make your next visit even better!
