Lamont Farm in Erskine saved from closure after almost 50 years as appeal raises £41,000

A farm and animal shelter in Erskine which was facing closure after 47 years has been saved after an online appeal.

Lamont Farm Project – which gives families the chance to meet a variety of animals including ducks, donkeys and llamas – came close to shutting its doors in February due to soaring costs and a recent dip in visitor numbers.

But an online appeal has turned things around, with more than £41,000 raised by the public.

Project chair Trisha Craig said it’s been a tough year for the volunteers there.

She told STV News: “We were vandalised, we were set on fire, then we were robbed, then we’ve been vandalised again… and the bills are so big this year!

The centre was vandalised in the summer with volunteers feeling at an-all time low. Photo: Lamont Farm Project.

“We have a lot of older animals – they have dentist bills, they have feet bills, some are on specialised diets. The cost of hay and straw has gone up phenomenally.

“Vet bills as well, especially when you’re having to get callouts. Because you can’t take a goat to the vet!”

Rising costs, combined with record-low visitor numbers, left them struggling more than ever.

The team thought they had nowhere left to turn but an appeal launched on GoFundMe on December 28 has seen the donations pouring in.

The volunteers are now determined the animals in their care will continue to receive the quality of care they deserve.

Lamont Farm in Erskine. Lamont Farm Project

Voluntary manager Yvonne Elliot said: “It’s brilliant, it just shows the community support that’s behind you, and everyone wants to make sure the animals are safe which is the main goal overall.

“Our volunteers are fantastic, without the volunteers we wouldn’t be able to run, they’re here through the year come rain, hail or shine.

“This place isn’t paved with gold – it’s old and it’s tatty, but the animals are looked after.”