Former staff 'delighted' that three organisations bidding for site of Gorgie City Farm

Ex-employee says community support proves attraction can rise from the ashes

Gorgie City Farm went into liquidation without warning on November 1

FORMER staff at Gorgie City Farm say they are delighted three organisations have been shortlisted to take over the site.

The popular attraction went into liquidation in November with the loss of 23 jobs.

Ex-employee Hannah Ryan, who launched the GoFundMe appeal which raised £100,000, said: “When we walked out of the gates for what we thought was the final time on November 1, the future of the farm seemed hopeless. Sadness and grief engulfed many of us for the first few days, but once we were able to raise our heads, we saw that the council and the wider community shared our grief and were willing to fight for a future. At that point, we were certain this farm had the ability to rise from the ashes.”

Hannah Ryan launched the GoFundMe appeal which raised 100,000

She said she knew the three interested organisations were now in the delicate process of bidding for a future of the site.

“The former staff understand that now, more than ever, we need time and patience for the liquidators and the council to decide upon the future of the site. This is not for us to decide as we are all just members of the public. We understand this process is far more complicated than it seems on the surface.

“All our efforts to save the farm have been done on a volunteer basis and many former staff have moved on to different jobs, as would be expected. We are waiting with bated breath to hear more news about the final decision. Until that time we are comforted in the knowledge that the situation is being handled scrupulously and professionally.”

Ashley Graczyk, independent councillor for Sighthill/Gorgie, also welcomed the interest in the site.

She said: “I’m immensely delighted with the shortlist and progress going forward. As ward councillor, my main priority is to ensure our well-loved urban farm continues its legacy as a unique piece of Scottish countryside in the heart of Edinburgh.

"Our local community farm is invaluable to the local community and beyond with huge benefits for people’s physical and mental health, community cohesion and local environment. It is particularly great for children who live in the city, as they rarely get the chance to see and learn about real farm animals.”