By Elizabeth Hunter

A barn owl and a tawny owl have been pictured preparing for Christmas in adorable new photos.

Lofty, the 18-year-old barn owl, was snapped enjoying some time with a Santa figurine - while Tony, a 10-year-old tawny owl, was pictured playing in the branches of a Christmas tree .

Pictures show Tony enthralled by bright red baubles as he perches on pine tree branches, while Lofty can be seen studying the faces of the Santa and snow-bird figurines next to him.

The pair live at the Scottish Owl Centre near Bathgate, with Tony hatched and hand-raised at the center.

Ruth Sheridan of the Scottish Owl Centre said: "Both of the owls are part of our ambassador team - these are owls that have been hand-reared and trained to use in our flying displays and handling experien

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