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Charity farm animals set to be spared from slaughter

This news post is over 4 years old
 

More than £50,000 has been raised in a bid to save the popular attraction, with thousands signing a petition calling for animals to be rehomed

Animals left homeless after the demise of Gorgie City Farm are likely to be spared from the slaughter.

Liquidators were called in at the popular Edinburgh attraction last week, resulting in 18 members of staff losing their jobs.

Following the shock news on Friday (1 November), concerns were raised about the futures of the many animals that live at the farm. An online petition, which has attracted more than 3,000 signatures, claimed that the animals face being slaughtered.

Liquidator MHA Henderson Loggie is caring for all animals that lived at the farm, and it said it is confident that homes can be found for all of them.

A spokesperson said: “We are in the process of fully assessing the options regarding the animals at Gorgie CIty Farm and would urge people not to speculate until the all the facts are known. The animals are being well cared for and we will provide an update on the situation in due course.”

Creatures that lived on the farm include pigs, cows, chickens, sheep and goats.

A crowdfunding appeal led by former staff has been launched to save the farm, with a target of £100,000 set. Around 130 volunteers were let go on Friday, with many of them said to have only found out about the financial problems through social media. So far, more than £50,000 has been pledged.

The charity promoted environmental sustainability, community development and social inclusion.

It has welcomed around 200,000 visitors a year since it was saved from closure in 2016 after a successful crowdfunding appeal raised in excess of £100,000.

As well as being a visitor attraction, it was also a working farm and provides assisted volunteering experience for hundreds of people each year who face barriers to employment.

It received funding from City of Edinburgh Council, various grant giving trusts and individual donors and generates additional income through its café and animal boarding service.

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.”

 

Comments

0 0
Sam Waylen
over 4 years ago
The " external funding " reference has made me curious . With a situation like this, I am often intrigued as to WHO it is that have discontinued their generosity, the " why's " of it, and too, who else might be the recipient of that funding instead. Sam Waylen
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