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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.

City farm in fight for survival

This news post is over 8 years old
 

​Loss of funding means popular city farm must find £100,000.

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

Loss of funding and a hike in running costs mean Gorgie City Farm in Edinburgh will have to raise £100,000 to stay open.

The popular attraction has been going for 38 years but recent financial problems have forced the closure of its cafe.

John Teasdale, vice chair of the board, said closure is not imminent – but is a possibility, hence the fundraising plea.

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.”

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.”

To make a donation, text FARM44 £5 to 70070, click here or send a cheque to GORGIE CITY FARM, 51 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2LA.