Gorgie City Farm: New owners take over urban farm

Gorgie City Farm went into liquidation in November with the loss of 18 jobs

A new farm called Love Gorgie is to open at the site of the liquidated Gorgie City Farm in Edinburgh.

The centre in Gorgie will not be a working farm as no animals will be killed for produce as was done before.

Instead it will be a petting zoo and animal therapy centre with projects for mental health volunteers to work on. There will also be a food bank and social enterprise cafe.

The farm went into liquidation in November, with the loss of 18 jobs.

It will be run by Love learning, a charity that supports vulnerable people.

Vulnerable people

Lynn Bell, CEO of Love learning said: "Not only will the farm remain open seven days a week and remain free, but we will provide a range of exciting education, environmental and social care programmes supporting vulnerable children and adults.

"This will include learning programmes within a newly-established skills academy, social prescribing, animal therapy and employability projects.

"In addition, our educational centre will engage with local communities on environmental programmes around farming and food production and our intention is to have a food bank and social enterprise café. It will be a real community hub."

Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council's leader, said: "I'm delighted that there has been such a successful outcome for the future of this much-loved community asset.

Love Learning's proposal meets the community's aspirations for what continues on the site - free for families to visit, open seven days a week and supporting and providing opportunities for vulnerable young people and adults.

"It buys into the values of volunteering, education, farming, supporting everyone in our communities as well as providing a sustainable and financially secure future for the site."