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Chamber and committees

Save Gorgie City Farm

  • Submitted by: Alison Johnstone, Lothian, Scottish Green Party.
  • Date lodged: Monday, 04 November 2019
  • Motion reference: S5M-19699

That the Parliament acknowledges what it sees as the positive impact that the charity, Gorgie City Farm, which is in the west of Edinburgh, has had on so many lives for many decades; recognises that it is one of the last urban farms in Scotland and provides volunteering opportunities and support to disadvantaged young people and adults, including those with additional support needs, with many advancing into work as a result of their experience; notes that it raises income through its café and animal boarding service, is home to approximately 100 animals and provides an opportunity to learn about animals that might otherwise be denied to many people; understands that it attracts some 200,000 visitors annually; believes that the esteem in which it is held was clearly demonstrated when it raised more than £100,000 in less than six weeks in 2016 to help save it; is deeply concerned therefore that it was announced on 1 November 2019 that the farm has entered liquidation and that 23 staff members are set to lose their jobs; understands that, although they were not given the opportunity to make a last minute appeal to the public before this devastating announcement, within three days of the news, over £50,000 was raised online through the page, gofundme.com/f/save-gorgie-farm, which was set up by a dedicated staff member, Hannah Ryan, and promoted by the Edinburgh Evening News, to help save the much loved asset; agrees with the sentiments expressed on the page that future generations cannot afford to lose the farm, and calls on the Scottish Government to support the #SaveGorgieFarm campaign by working with the City of Edinburgh Council and others to ensure this incredible farm has the sustainable future that it deserves.


Supported by: Miles Briggs, John Finnie, Ross Greer, Patrick Harvie, Mark Ruskell, Andy Wightman