Hootenanny Owls told to 'vacate' their current home

Donna Pickett, owner of Hootenanny Owls, claims that being forced out of their current home at Finlaystone Country Estate "came out of the blue".

She claimed that there had been no "prior warning".

Arthur Macmillan, owner of the land, claims that the reason for asking the community organisation to move on is due to "countless broken promises" and "missed deadlines".

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Speaking to Renfrewshire Gazette, Donna said: "We had a few discussions in the past but over Christmas there was nothing.

"We had no issues or written warnings prior to that (the notice).

"My last conversation with him (Arthur) was fine. It was outside the visitor centre and he had no problems.

"It totally came out of the blue for us.

"We had an agreed time stating three months' notice on any agreement.

"We tried to fit in what our requirements were along with what his requirements were."

Arthur Macmillan said: "After countless missed deadlines and broken promises over several years, I reluctantly decided that there was no hope of matters changing and have asked them to leave. 

"The decision was certainly not out of the blue and the agreement does allow for one month notice although I have given them longer to sort the matter out."

The community organisation revealed the news on their social media pages earlier this month with "deep sadness". 

Now, with the organisation looking for a new place they claim that building a new centre for the birds will cost up to £50k.

Donna added that transporting some of the birds is a risk too, with the age of the animals along with the stress which can be added.

In total, the organisation has 63 birds with 80% of them being rescued due to no one wanting them.

Arthur said that a "simple agreement" was set up between the two parties where a sanctuary was provided for the birds free of charge, with a flying bird display put on in return - something that he claims did not happen.

However, Donna argues that this was not the case as the volunteers and the staff had to put thousands of hours and their own money into the upkeep and building of the centre.

In a statement, Arthur said: "There was a simple agreement set up whereby we provided a sanctuary for the birds free of charge and in return, Hootenany Owls were to show their birds and put on flying displays for the benefit of visitors to the estate.

"I have on multiple occasions over the years listened to the various reasons and excuses as to why we were not getting the expected service from them and I have lived in optimistic hope for too long that we would see the birds regularly displayed as promised.

"They are amazing creatures and would be a real pleasure to see up close or ideally in action.

"However the falconry centre has never been maintained in a presentable standard for public display."

Donna argues that visitors have seen the birds fly as she said: "Birds can't and won't fly in extreme weather, with minimal space to be allowed to fly.  

"Visitors would see us flying birds outside the centre every weekend, for the training of the birds as well as staff."