A charity or a popular tourist attraction will take over the site of the failed community farm

A charity and owner of a popular tourist attraction are vying to take over the former Gorgie City Farm.

The liquidators of the failed charity have confirmed that two bids are being considered to take on the site – with a decision due by the end of this month (January).

A statement from MHA Henderson Loggie confirmed Love Learning Scotland, an SCIO based in Hamilton, and Grant Bell, owner of East Links Family Park in Dunbar, are the two remaining bidders.

Gorgie City Farm fell into liquidation in November- leaving staff, volunteers and supporters in shock.

Former staff and volunteers of the charity set up a crowdfunding page following the shock closure of the Edinburgh institution, with a target of £100,000 being raised.

Up to 10 parties originally expressed an interest in taking on the community facility, and since then the bids have been narrowed down.

Love Learning aims to create mainstream services that incorporate equality, justice, kindness, love and compassion. The charity was originally based in Airdrie, helping individuals in North Lanarkshire, but expanded its operations across the country in 2017. It is understood charity plans to turn the farm into a therapy petting zoo.

Bell operates East Links Family Park, an award-winning farm in East Lothian, which provides a fun and safe environment for families to enjoy a day out.

Homeless charity Cyrenians, which already runs a community farm just outside Edinburgh, had also expressed an interest however the liquidators said it has now withdrawn from the process.

Shona Campbell, of MHA Henderson Loggie, said: “MHA Henderson Loggie will now assess the bids before making recommendations to site landlord City of Edinburgh Council. A decision on the future of the site will be announced before the end of January.”