Popular city farm shuts for good as funds crisis deepens
● 40-year-old charity goes into liquidation putting 18 out of work
Gorgie City Farm – one of Edinburgh’s best-loved attractions – has closed its doors after funding problems and rising costs made it “impossible” to continue.
A total of 18 jobs will be lost after it was announced the 40-year-old charity had gone into liquidation.
The farm, which welcomed about 200,000 visitors a year, was home to more than 100 animals, including sheep, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens, goats, ferrets and an iguana.
Two staff will stay on to feed the animals until they can be rehomed. The decision to close comes three years after a £100,000 appeal was run to keep the farm open when it faced soaring running costs and a slump in external funding. The farm’s manager said at the time they were “overwhelmed” by the level of support and staggered by how the community had pulled together. However, funding problems resurfaced to force the charity to close for good.
Gorgie City Farm chairman George Elles said: “Falling revenues due to a decline in external funding and rising costs have made it impossible for Gorgie City Farm to continue to provide our services to the community in Edinburgh.
“We were buoyed by the successful appeal three years ago, but sadly cannot find a route to a sustainable future in the current funding climate.
“We are sincerely grateful to all our staff who have worked tirelessly to provide much needed services and an accessible amenity for the city, and to our volunteers who have been inspired by the opportunities and support we have been able to offer.
“We don’t underestimate what this decision will mean to them all and are full of pride of what they have achieved.”
Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie urged the other party leaders to join him in trying to save the farm.
He tweeted: “Come on @ Nicolasturgeon @Jackson_ Carlaw @Labourrichard let’s work together to save @Gorgiecityfarm Who will think of the animals?”
As well as offering children the chance to see animals up close, the three-acre site was also a working farm and provided assisted volunteering experience for hundreds of people each year who faced barriers to employment.
MHA Henderson Loggie have been appointed to wind up the charity.
Liquidator Shona Campbell said: “The trustees have reached the responsible decision to wind up the charity with regret after exploring all options open to them in the face of a tough funding climate.” Edinburgh Central Tory MSP Ruth Davidson said she was “really sorry” to hear of the closure, adding “Gorgie City Farm’s such a good resource and thousands of young children, including [my son] Finn, have enjoyed learning about animals there.”