Llama and alpaca experiences rocket in popularity in Scotland

Alpacas and llamas are becoming more popular across Scotland, as breeding rates continue to rise.

This increase has led to more and more people turning to alpaca and llama experiences, which offer a change from typical outdoor activities.

Larch Green Alpacas in Port Glasgow provides a variety of different experiences, where people can go and visit the alpacas, spend a bit of time with them, go on walks with them and take some photographs with them too.

Linsay Mitchell runs Larch Green Alpacas, she explained the different experiences they have to offer: “The main experience is the 1-hour trek which is suitable for adults and children, where you get to meet the alpacas, walk with them and feed them.

“We also do school visits, care home visits and even weddings – they get their wee bow ties on and get pictures with the bride and groom.”

Experts claim there are lots of benefits to spending time around alpacas.

Linsay added: “I say to quite a lot of people that alpacas always cheer me up, if I’m having a bad day or I’m feeling sad, all I need to do is go and see the alpacas because they always make you smile or laugh and they’re always up to something silly.

“Even if you’re not an animal person, it’s something different and nice to do.

"You can either go by yourself or in a group of friends, but I’d recommend it because it’s not something that you get to do every day.”

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has begun researching animals falling under the camelid species, urging anyone with llamas and alpacas to speak up and make their voice “herd”.

Madeleine Henry, a SRUC Veterinary Epidemiologist said: “We are asking camelid keepers to tell us more about their animals, to allow better assessment of potential methods of future support for the sector in Scotland.”

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