Next steps laid out for Edinburgh’s Gorgie City Farm

Edinburgh City Council has announced plans for leading third and voluntary sector organisations to find a sustainable community-led future for the Gorgie City Farm site after it closed in January.  

One of the last of Scotland’s urban farms, animals were transported from the site after the charity that ran it, Lover Learning, fell onto hard times due to the impact of the pandemic, rising cost of living and lack of funding.  

Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC) has agreed to find a possible solution for the farm, following discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council.   

EVOC is one of three partners that make up Edinburgh’s TSI (Third Sector Interface), helping to support and develop the city’s community and voluntary sector, with a role to develop robust solutions and approaches that underpin strong organisations. 

The organisation will not run the farm but will work with local community and stakeholders to re-open the site, with a strong focus on sustainability in future. 

Council Leader Cammy Day said: ‘I’m delighted we’ve got EVOC on board for the Gorgie City Farm site as they have a proven track record in supporting local organisations that need expert advice. At the heart of the work they will be taking forward are options for a community-led, collaborative and financially sustainable future for the site.   

‘I want to thank everyone who has been working so hard both publicly and behind the scenes to find a solution. The work by the campaign groups, volunteers and other partners has been really impressive and shows the strength of feeling towards this valuable community asset which benefits all communities across the city.  

‘I’m sure the coming months will be exciting times as EVOC brings people, groups and organisations together to look at options for a sustainable future for the Gorgie City Farm site.  I look forward to them presenting a sustainable vision for the future of Gorgie City Farm to the local community soon so everyone in the city can enjoy all it has to offer for years to come.’  

EVOC is first expected to bring together a Steering Group – which will include representatives from the local voluntary sector, campaign groups, the local community and the Council – to work on proposals that could secure the farm’s future.   

The partnership Steering Group will bring together city experts in key respective fields, support local volunteering, and connect these together. 

Photo by BAILEY MAHON