There has been heartbreak and outrage in Aberdeen following the sad news that Doonies Rare Breeds Farm is set to close for good this August.
For more than 40 years, children across the north-east have enjoyed visiting the farm at Nigg and meeting the animals.
Doonies gave city kids an insight into rural life and the opportunity to get hands on with animals.
Many have since returned as adults with their own children to create more happy childhood memories.
The land has been earmarked for a new multi-million-pound Energy Transition Zone.
We’ve taken a look back through our picture archives at happier times for Doonies Farm.
1979: Herbie the Llama
More likely to be found in South America than south of Aberdeen, Herbie the llama certainly turned heads in 1979.
Herbie was somewhat of a celebrity in his day, attracting the attention of passing motorists.
He was also a big hit with holidaymakers like 12-year-old David Tonga from Southport who was on holiday in Aberdeen.
1980: Daring to say boo to a goose
In the carefree days of the 1980s, children and animals roamed freely together at Doonies Farm.
These days, regulations and infection control are taken more seriously, probably just as well, because the geese didn’t look too friendly.
Cove Primary pupils Karen Smith, Billy Kilgore and Sarah Booth are understandably cautious, but Stephen Keith stands his ground.
1981: The new kids on the block
These gorgeous baby goats were the new kids on the block at Doonies Farm in February 1981.
The twin Nubian goats were just three-weeks-old when they made their debut in the Evening Express.
The youngsters, named Sir and Missy, were in good hands with Wilma Findlay, an animal helper at the farm, and her son Mark, 4.
1983: Community always cared
Vietnamese refugees Ngo Thien Tu, Ngo Truon Vu and Ngo Thanh Son were helping out at Doonies alongside Aberdeen lads Stephen and John McDonald.
The group joined around 20 youngsters in carrying out improvements at the farm as part of a community project scheme run by Manpower.
A council spokesman said: “They are keen workers and are doing a first class job.”
1997: A new addition to Doonies
Many animals were brought into the world in the safe sanctuary and care of Doonies Farm.
In 1997, Emma Lennox met Clydesdale horse Polly’s days-old filly, as farmhand Albert Ewen looked on.
2003: Jayden had a little lamb
Lambing season kept Doonies Farm volunteers and visitors alike busy back in 2003.
A memorable experience for little Jayden Larkins and his gran Lynne Robertson, as they helped feed a newborn lamb on a cold March day.
2005: Horseplay and hilarity
They say never work with children or animals, but this cracking photo puts paid to that old saying.
Reader Eddie Noble of Inverurie sent this fantastic photo of Lucy Clark posing alongside a very obliging pony to the P&J’s Scottish Life feature in 2005.
It certainly captured a funny moment.
2007: Many mouths to feed
Doonies was the original petting farm in the north-east, and has given so many youngsters the opportunity to meet animals face-to-face over the years.
Back in 2007, the keen lambs were queuing up for a feed from siblings five-year-old Amy, and three-year-old Peter Morrison.
2008: Don’t let Doonies close!
When Doonies faced the axe as part of council cuts in 2008, Aberdonians took matters into their own hands.
The campaign turned political, with Matthew Duncan, Lib Dem Westminster candidate for Aberdeen South, fighting for more funds.
Matthew launched a ‘fair funding for Aberdeen’ campaign to try to save at-risk attractions like Doonies.
He said: “It is outrageous that Aberdeen which produces much of the UK’s wealth is being starved of funds.”
2008: A final farewell…?
Families headed to Doonies to say a sad goodbye to the animals on March 31 after campaigners failed to save the attraction.
Among those who were sorry to see the attraction close were Linda Sharpe, with Jordan, 11, Ellie Willamson aged 18-months, Fraser, 3, and Cayleigh, 9.
2008: Smiles as Doonies saved for the first time
Doonies Farm has risked closure over the years and came perilously close to shutting for good in 2008.
Doonies regulars Doug Stuart and his granddaughter Lucie Mackie, 3, from Torry were delighted to see the attraction saved.
He said: “I’ve come here with all my grandchildren. The oldest is 21 now.
“It’s great to be out in the open air with all the animals and they all really enjoy it.
“It was upsetting to think the farm may close and I hope they can keep it open now.”
2008: Christmas at Doonies Farm
Friends of Doonies buying the farm probably felt like all Doonies’ Christmases came at once in 2008.
The move meant the farm really could enjoy a merry Christmas that year, hosting a live nativity scene with its animal residents as the star of the show.
A white-faced woodland sheep, a miniature Mediterranean donkey, three lambs and longhorn calves joined local youngsters, including Anya Richards, to recreate the manger moment.
2009: Brighter Days ahead
The following season was a happier one for Doonies Farm after its future was secured.
In July 2009, sisters Freya and Bronte Marwick from Elrick met two young lambs at the farm, with Peter Reid and Barbara Kirkbride.
2010: A fun family day out
The Nicolson family got up close and personal with the animals during the school holidays in 2010.
Young brothers Thomas, 8, and Ben, 3, had a fun day out in the sun with their parents Craig and Sarah Nicolson.
If you enjoyed this, you might like:
