A motion at City of Edinburgh Council was backed overwhelmingly by politicians. 

Local community groups and residents in Edinburgh will be given an opportunity to have their say on the future of a much-loved urban farm.

In March Edinburgh City Council agreed that Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC) would take forward plans to find a sustainable community-led future for the Gorgie City Farm site.

Gorgie Farm closed in January 2023 following rocketing operational costs and a lack of funding, with all animals and volunteers cleared from the site. 

EVOC has since convened a project steering group - encompassing representatives from the local voluntary sector, campaign groups, the local community and the council - including the appointment of a project manager and maintenance to the site.

Six months on from the beginning of the project, councillors in Edinburgh passed a motion calling for local community groups and residents to have an opportunity to comment on the project’s work so far, and to speak to councillors about their vision for the future of the farm.

They also voted to ensure there are regular updates on the work of the farm and opportunities to scrutinise work on the future of the farm done on behalf of the council.

The motion, presented by Councillor Dan Heap - who represents the Sighthill/Gorgie ward - was backed by a majority at the meeting, meaning an update report will be brought to the council’s Culture and Communities Committee meeting scheduled for October 2023.