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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Ten parties consider Gorgie City Farm bid

This news post is over 4 years old
 

A range of charities and commercial organisations are examining whether to take on the site of the former community farm

A variety of parties are considering taking over the former Gorgie City Farm.

The popular Edinburgh attraction fell into liquidation a fortnight ago - leaving staff, volunteers and supporters in shock.

Now 10 parties have expressed an interest in the community farm, with the animals being cared for at the site by a skeleton staff.

Andy Gray, head of schools and lifelong learning, at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Ten interested parties, both charitable and commercial organisations, have so far expressed interest in taking over the running of the farm. Some have followed up with site visits and requests for further information have been made so the Insolvency Practitioner can undertake due diligence.”

Gray added that the animals will continue to be cared for during this period, and staff are being supported in making their claims for redundancy.

Liquidator Shona Campbell, of MHA Henderson Loggie, said: "This is positive news, however councillors should be aware it could take many weeks before they are able to submit proposals and secure the funding that is required to take over the running of the farm.

"I have requested that interested parties provide indicative offers next week together with realistic timescales to complete, from which we may in a position to draw up a short list."

Campbell said ways of covering the ongoing costs for running the farm are being explored, with no funds available to pay the two remaining staff or feed the animals.

Former staff and volunteers of the charity set up a crowdfunding page following the shock closure of the Edinburgh institution earlier this month.

Since then, more than £70,000 has been raised and the group took steps this week to ensure the money will be used appropriately.

Edinburgh Community Farm will be created as a not-for-profit organisation to ensure the funds either go towards restoring a community farm at Gorgie, or are split between Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home and the Scottish Association for Mental Health if a community takeover of the site fails.