Gorgie City Farm falls into liquidation
It's been running for 40 years
Last updated 1st Nov 2019
A popular Edinburgh charity and visitor attraction has gone out of business after 40 years of work.
Gorgie City Farm was home to a variety of animals and social projects in the west of the capital since the 1970s.
Liquidators MHA Henderson Loggie have now been appointed to wind up the business, with the loss of 18 jobs.
Earlier this year the Queen carried out a royal engagement there, meeting a 'mischievous' duck called Olive.
It welcomed an average of 200,00 visitors a year since nearly going to the wall in 2016, while it provided volunteering opportunities for hundreds of people.
Shona Campbell of MHA Henderson Loggie said: “The trustees have reached the responsible decision wind up the charity with regret after exploring all options open to them in the face of a tough funding climate.
“It is always difficult when people lose their jobs through no fault of their own and we will now undertake to act as efficiently and sensitively as possible to provide support in matters concerning staff and volunteers.
"The welfare of the animals being cared for at Gorgie City Farm is equally important and they will be well looked after until new homes are found for them."
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."
Green councillor Gavin Corbett said: "This is devastating news for the area and the city as a whole.
"Like thousands of families, we have spent endless hours at the farm and my oldest son was a volunteer for a while, as hundreds of young people have been.
"Only three years ago there was a major funding campaign to put the farm on a firmer footing so it's really disappointing to hear where we today.
"I'm still seeking to get more of the background but I still hope something can be done from the ashes of such bad news."
Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’ve worked really closely with Gorgie City Farm for many years so this is really sad news.
"They are a much-loved and valued local organisation and are quite unique in what they do – giving people an insight into farm life in the a city setting as well as providing valuable voluntary opportunities for young people and for people with additional support needs.
"We’ll work with the liquidator over the weeks ahead to explore any potential options for this hugely popular asset to Edinburgh.”
Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on Forth 1. Listen on FM, via the Rayo app, on DAB or on your smart speaker.