A popular city farm is facing closure unless £100,000 of funding is found to keep it open.

The charity behind Gorgie City Farm in Edinburgh is struggling to run the venture due to rising costs and a drop in external funding.

Despite the closure of its loss-making cafe and Edinburgh City Council recently awarding a three-year grant, financial support is urgently needed to preserve the attraction on Gorgie Road.

The charity, which runs programmes for young and vulnerable people across the city, has called for public donations to allow its work to continue.

Gorgie City Farm, which has been running for 38 years, works with more than 100 volunteers every week through training, work experience, social opportunities and personal support.

The majority of volunteers are people with additional support needs, and there are long waiting lists to join the farm.

The city council and councillors Donald Wilson, Cathy Fullerton, Eric Milligan, Gavin Corbett and Denis Dixon have already given their backing to the £100,000 fundraising appeal.

George Elles, chairman of Gorgie City Farm, said: "If every family who visited Gorgie City Farm in the past two years gave just £1, the farm would be saved.

"So many people have special memories of the sights, sounds and smells of rural life which they've experienced in the heart of Scotland's capital city.

"But as a free visitor attraction and a charity we need you to donate today to save your farm."

Lord provost Donald Wilson said: "The Gorgie City Farm is a much loved and valued local group.

"What it does is unique in the city and is something we cannot afford to lose."

Green councillor Gavin Corbett said the farm plays a large role in the lives of children throughout Edinburgh.

He said: "My own kids have spent countless hours here and my oldest son has been a volunteer young farmer, from mucking out pigs to helping with toddlers' parties.

"The vision of Gorgie Farm when it started - to bring children closer to the day to day workings of a farm in the heart of the city - is just as relevant today as when it started. So I'm confident that everyone who loves the farm and wants to see it prosper will give generously."

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