Farm 'lifeline'

Andrew Gibson • Published 23 Feb 2010 15:56

KNOWETOP Farm has been handed a financial "lifeline" - giving hope for the facility's future after months of uncertainty.

The community farm has been struggling since the economic downturn and has had to lay-off staff as well as get rid of some of the larger animals which proved too expensive to keep.

However, with Spring still a few weeks away, the financial freeze on the farm is thawing thanks to a £38,000 cash boost from the Scottish Government.

The Third Sector Resilience Fund was set up to help charity and voluntary organisations which have struggled because of the recession.

Knowetop proved it had struggled significantly and will now be able to spend the money on retaining staff and bringing in more relief.

A delighted Eleanor Mitchell, Knowetop Farm manager, spoke to the Reporter after being told the farm had been successful in its application.

She said: "This is a lifeline - it helps keep the farm going longer because we have been in crisis for a wee while and we have been cutting back.

"It is great news for the farm which is now able to continue for a lot longer and put things in place for the future.

"The fund was brought out because of the financial climate and organisations like us that are affected by it.

"Because there is less money going around there are less visitors putting money in the donation box. It has been a worrying time."

The additional money will not be spent on bringing in new large animals, however with Spring approaching, the new annual batch of lovable young animals will be brought in.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 23 Feb 10

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