Farming has always been a popular and profitable enterprise, which is why many people dream of making a career in this field. Historically, farming was a venture that even the nobility were not shy about pursuing. After all, with large plots of land and livestock, one could successfully grow various crops and produce organic products. Find out more at edinburghname.
Dipping into Edinburgh’s past, it’s clear that its incredible lands were in high demand among farmers. Even Scotland’s damp climate is perfectly suited for agriculture and animal husbandry. It is also worth noting that many of Edinburgh’s farms can boast an amazing history, allowing them to become an important part of the region’s agricultural development and, of course, to build an excellent reputation.
Gorgie Farm, located in the south-west of Edinburgh, can certainly be counted among them. In this article, you can get acquainted with the past of one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant farms, which held a special place in the hearts of the local population.
Humble Beginnings
The farm was founded in the late 1970s, largely thanks to a group of local people who cleared a derelict plot of land, dreaming of turning it into a green space for the community. Gorgie Farm officially opened in 1982. The farm immediately established the main direction of its activity: its primary source of income would be raising and selling lambs and pigs. However, other animals also lived there, including goats, sheep, and cows.
Funding and Popularity
It must be said that anyone could visit Gorgie Farm, as entry to the grounds was free. It’s no surprise, then, that the place quickly became very popular among the local population. However, this doesn’t mean the farm received no funding. Visitors often left voluntary donations, and the City of Edinburgh Council provided a grant for Gorgie Farm’s upkeep. Moreover, the council funded the majority of the salaries for the staff who worked on the farm.
A Difficult Time
Like any organisation of its kind, Gorgie Farm faced numerous expenses. The farm felt this particularly acutely in 2016. Costs soared while external funding was significantly reduced. In response, Gorgie Farm had to appeal to the local community for support. And the people did not leave their beloved farm in its time of need, raising £100,000 in just six weeks to keep it operating.
Thanks to this, Gorgie Farm was saved from bankruptcy and successfully continued its activities. Visitors could still come to the farm to enjoy the atmosphere and get to know the cows, goats, and sheep that remained its main residents.
A Royal Visit and a Sudden Closure
Everything seemed to be proceeding calmly, but on 4 July 2019, the farm was stirred by an incredible event. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II decided to visit! Preparations for the reception were made with great care, with every effort made to please Her Majesty. A special tour of the farm’s gardens and animal enclosures was conducted for the Queen, and of course, she was introduced to the staff and volunteers who worked there.
But unfortunately, despite such an important visit and the great love of the local people, Gorgie Farm was closed in November 2019. The reason was the lack of a reliable business plan and additional sources of income for the farm’s full operation. Even the £100,000 raised by the public could not save it.
A New Chapter
As a result, the farm was put out to tender, and its funding from the city council was discontinued. The competitive tender quickly identified a winner, and the right to manage the farm was granted to LOVE Learning, a social care and education charity. Its mission is to help and support children and young people across Scotland.
The organisation decided to reopen the farm, giving it a new name: LOVE Gorgie Farm. New projects began to be implemented, various seminars were held, and mental health programs were introduced. LOVE Gorgie Farm also boasted a special social cafe and a food bank. It is also worth noting that the revamped farm offered various vocational training programs, in which anyone could participate.
Navigating the Pandemic
Everything was going very well, and it seemed that the affairs of the much-loved farm were getting back on track. But as we know, 2020 brought a terrible disaster to the whole world: the coronavirus pandemic. LOVE Gorgie Farm, of course, felt its impact significantly. The farm had to close temporarily during the lockdown. However, this did not stop it from becoming an important focal point for the entire community. The food bank continued to operate successfully, and during the school closures, the farm provided free breakfasts for children. LOVE Gorgie Farm also took in and cared for the pets of people who fell ill and were hospitalised, free of charge.
When the government issued a decree allowing public places to reopen, LOVE Gorgie Farm opened its doors once more. This happened on 29 June 2020. Thus, the farm’s forced “pandemic holiday” lasted for four months.
Another Closure
LOVE Gorgie Farm’s activities continued successfully until 2023, when it was closed again. At that time, the LOVE Learning organisation terminated its lease. The reason, once again, was funding. It is a pity that in all these ups and downs, the animals living there become hostages of the situation. However, when LOVE Gorgie Farm closed in 2023, all its animals were transferred to local zoos and other farms.
Thus, Gorgie Farm can rightly be called one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant farms. Over its fairly long existence, it managed to earn true public recognition. And even when the farm faced difficulties, ordinary people were happy to come to its aid, not sparing their own money. It is worth noting that such an attitude from the townspeople is a true treasure and a tremendous gift.
It is no surprise, then, that the farm’s closure in 2023 saddened the local population. People began to put forward numerous ideas and proposals for resuming the activities of their beloved landmark, but this time under the leadership of the community itself. After all, people had already actively made donations for the farm’s operation in the past. Whether these plans will be realised and whether Gorgie Farm will open its gates again is still unclear. But given its past and the number of times it has closed and then reopened, anything is possible. Especially since this farm is so loved by the locals. And love, as we know, can work true miracles.