Theme park blames free attractions as it is forced to close down

THE owner of a Scottish theme park announced its closure yesterday, blaming government-funded tourist attractions for taking custom away from his attraction.

Loudoun Castle Theme Park, near Galston in East Ayrshire, has shut its doors for good after its managing director said it was "no longer economically viable". The closure has resulted in the loss of 11 permanent and 160 seasonal jobs.

Dutchman Henk Bembom blamed the forthcoming opening of free tourist attractions for the decision to close. He also said that the "combination of bad weather and increased VAT" had been other factors in the closure.

The theme park opened in 1995 and featured 25 rides, a farm area and daily live shows. Mr Bembom took control of it seven years ago.

He said: "The imminent opening of new publicly-funded visitor attractions, including the 21 million Burns Centre and the 85m transport museum in Glasgow, which will be free of charge, has created a situation where Loudoun Castle Theme Park is no longer economically viable.

"I would like to thank all our staff for their unwavering loyalty and support over the years. I would also like to thank East Ayrshire Council for all help offered to us in this difficult period."

A park spokeswoman said that discussions were under way about the future of the site.

Alan Neish, head of planning and economic development at East Ayrshire Council, said: "East Ayrshire Council has worked closely with Henk Bembom, owner of Loudoun Castle Theme Park, for many years and it is with great regret that we were advised this week of his intention to close the park. Countless families in our own area and far beyond have enjoyed this major attraction over the years and we are heartened to learn that Mr Bembom plans to take the park in a new direction.

"We look forward to discussing his new proposals in the near future and we will assist him in any way we can."

The theme park was one of only two in Scotland and featured the UK's biggest portable rollercoaster among its many rides, an animal park for younger visitors, restaurants and cafes.

Mr Bembom - who reportedly invested 9m at Loudoun - told staff and the local authority the site was shutting down earlier this week.

Council bosses have held a meeting with Mr Bembom in an attempt to come up with a rescue package to save some, or all of the threatened jobs.

A spokesman for VisitScotland said the closure was "disappointing". But there could be a lifeline for the site, with claims last night that it could have a future as a residential holiday park.

A source at East Ayrshire Council council claimed Mr Bembom was planning to build luxury holiday lodges in the grounds of the country park, although this could not be confirmed last night.

The theme park has been a firm favourite with families from across Scotland, but it also suffered tragedy in 2007 with the death of a student who fell 80ft from a rollercoaster. Mark Blackwood, 18, was working on The Rat ride at the theme park.