Appeal to prevent Gorgie City Farm closure

A popular city farm has launched a major fundraising appeal to save it from closure.

Gorgie City Farm. Picture by Malcolm McCurrach

Soaring running costs and a slump in external funding have forced Gorgie City Farm to raise £100,000 to help it remain open.

The much-loved attraction has attracted visitors for more than 38 years but financial struggles in recent months led to the closure of the site’s cafe in January.

Despite a three-year grant from city chiefs, the Gorgie Road attraction now needs to raise a major sum to secure its future.

John Teasdale, vice chair of the board, moved to reassure the public that there was no imminent threat of closure.

He said: “We want to ensure we are secure for the future.

“It is not a danger of imminent closure, it’s about making sure the farm is secure.

“We are not just looking for people to donate money, we are also looking at how we can reduce our costs. We had to close the cafe in January as it was not profitable but we are still looking at ways to reduce our operating costs.”

As well as entertaining visitors, Gorgie City Farm works with over 100 volunteers every week and supports young teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mr Teasdale added: “People won’t see any changes to the farm they love.

“We hope things will continue and improve.”

A number of city councillors have lent their backing the appeal, including Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Donald Wilson.

To make a donation, please text “FARM44 £5” to 70070, visit www.justgiving.com/gorgiecityfarmassociation or send a cheque to GORGIE CITY FARM, 51 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2LA.