Kingswells Community Council

Doonies Farm was today given the chance of a new lease of life by Aberdeen city councillors - who urged citizens to "use it or lose it".

The rare breeds farm on the coast road between Nigg Bay and Cove will stay open until the end of May to give an external group of supporters the chance to draw up a viable business plan to keep it open permanently all year round.

Closure to the public at the end of May will give farm staff time to finalise preparations for complete closure, if that is ultimately required.

Deputy council leader Councillor Kevin Stewart sent out a message to the public at today's full council meeting, which agreed to the proposal.

He said: "If you want to show your support for Doonies please visit it while it is open and show the council and the Friends of Doonies you appreciate it and want it to continue."

Plans are in place to close the 210-acre farm permanently at the end of June. But if the farm's Friends can present a business plan acceptable to the City Council by that time, the attraction will remain open. Friends of Doonies must also have found the necessary funds by the end of June to run the farm on a month-by-month basis - estimated at £8,000 a month - until it can become self-financing.

The group is being given extensive support and advice by senior city council officials to help it come up with a robust rescue package which is acceptable to Aberdeen City Council's City Solicitor and City Chamberlain.

Entry prices will rise while Doonies remains open in order to raise extra income, but will still be affordable. The current prices have remained static for several years at just £1 for adults, 50p for children and £2 for families.

The full council heard a presentation from a deputation representing Friends of Doonies, who said they had a vision for upgrading the attraction to ensure it becomes well used by a variety of visitors throughout the year.

The group wants to see a Doonies of the future offering educational experiences, play areas, a farm shop, a restaurant and a range of other attractions to draw in families, tourists and school groups.

Friends of Doonies are being given free legal advice by local solicitors and are seeking support from the business community. The group admitted to the council that coming up with a business plan in just 60 days was a challenge. But they said they believed they had the capability to save the farm if they continued to receive the backing of council officers and if they were successful in winning support from the private sector and funding organisations.

The City Council decided at its budget meeting in February to close the farm to make a £100,000 saving in this financial year and £119,000 savings in subsequent years. Securing an arrangement with Friends of Doonies to keep it open on a self-financing basis would achieve the same result for the council.

Doonies costs £168,000 to run but brings in just £49,000. Council officials estimate it needs a £100,000 makeover to move it from the 1970s to the 21st century.

The farm - which is managed traditionally and organically to encourage wildlife - has the largest collection of rare breeds in Scotland, with almost 400 livestock, representing 20 breeds from across the UK.

It currently has only a small outdoor play area, minimal information on signage, and limited livestock facilities - and draws only 14,000 visitors a year. There are no indoor facilities and no food or refreshments are available.

Investment would allow a neglected asset to become a credit to the city and could put Doonies on a firm financial footing.

A livestock building could provide animal pens, a classroom for school groups, an interpretation area and a small café. That could boost visitor numbers and allow year-round opening.

A building would also give the livestock better conditions, leading to improved breeding, better conditioned animals and higher prices for stock sold at specialist auctions.

Higher admission charges could boost income to £35,000 per year on current visitor levels, with the prospect of increased numbers if the farm is upgraded. Better conditions for the animals could see income from sales almost double to £60,000 a year. Grant help currently stands at £10,000 per annum but could be significantly increased.

A report to today's council meeting said: "An investment of £100,000 would result in greater revenues, transforming Doonies Farm into a memorable visitor attraction that will be popular with the whole of North-east Scotland and further afield."

If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.