Group in plea to help save working farm

THE group fighting to save an Aberdeen working farm from closure has appealed to the agricultural community for assistance.

The Friends of Doonies is seeking financial and practical support to realise its ambition of taking over the running of the popular farm at Cove from cash-hit Aberdeen City Council.

Chairman John Sleigh said the group had ambitious plans to redevelop the site and turn existing buildings into a cafe and indoor play area to bring in new income.

It is also wanting to build a new barn as well as demolish derelict and unused buildings on the 210-acre unit that is managed by Graham Lennox and which is home to more than 400 cattle, sheep, horses, goats and pigs, many of which are rare breeds.

The farm has been put under threat by the council's financial problems.

A business plan from the friends to take over the running of the farm on a long-term lease is due to be considered by councillors next month.

Mr Sleigh said the moral support received from the farming community had been fantastic, but this now needed to be translated into actual offers of help.

It is looking for donations of fertiliser, animal feed, turnip seeds, fencing wire, animal medicines and good secondhand equipment.

The farm's tractor also requires to be replaced.

Anyone able to help can contact Mr Sleigh on 07921 863682 or e-mail savedoonies@google mail.com