Top Scottish visitor attraction, St Andrews Aquarium has unveiled the most significant development and growth plans in its twenty-five year history, with work set to more than double the overall size of the popular North Fife attraction.

The independent, family-owned aquarium has announced ambitious plans for a large-scale building project which will be completed in phases, and will redevelop the outdoor former seal pool area, which was destroyed by the devastating Storm Babet almost a year ago. In October 2023, huge tidal swells causes irreparable damage to the existing sea wall, resulting in the emergency re-homing of the aquarium’s family of seals.

The programme of building works includes essential improvements to the existing sea wall which will mitigate the impact of future storms. This element of the project is essential to protect the long-term future of the visitor attraction.

Speaking of the planned building development Managing Director John Mace commented; “The storm last October was devastating, the future of the aquarium was in question as we assessed the damage and costs of the repairs. As a family, we turned the disaster into an opportunity to completely change the space, and build a bigger and better area for our visitors, the full development project costs will exceed £1,000,000 in total, and we can’t wait to complete it. Our family of seals have found new homes in other zoos since the storm, which has given us an exciting opportunity to bring several new and exciting animals into our new space. The work to strengthen and expand the protective sea wall whilst very expensive, is essential, and will protect St Andrews Aquarium from future tidal swells.”

With building work set to double the overall footprint of the attraction, the Mace family have big plans for various new animal exhibits and interactive family attractions on the space. Work is currently underway on site, with the new, extended protective concrete sea wall currently under construction. Once completed, work on the first phase of new exhibits will begin immediately.

Owner John Mace added; “We’ve got big plans for the exhibits and type of animals that will go into the space but we’ll reveal that in due course. Our team are excited about the developments which will bring new animals into our attraction, giving our visitors even more to see and learn about during their visits.”

St Andrews Aquarium, Scotland’s only family-owned aquarium, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year, who enjoy getting to know each of the 120 species of animals on display at the centre on the East Coast of Fife. Throughout the building phase, the existing attraction will remain unaffected and St Andrews Aquarium will continue to open from 10am, 7 days a week.