The fascinating history behind Bridgend farmhouse is going to be brought to life, thanks to a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. People who once worked on the farm, on the Old Dalkeith Road, and those who remember it well, will be asked to take part in an exciting project called “Place, work and folk”.
For children and younger people there will be activities, led by staff and volunteers, to help them explore the history of such local farms and market gardens which once supplied Edinburgh with its milk, meat, vegetables and fruit. A film will be made, capturing the memories of the past and linking them with the activities of the present such as learning traditional skills, like stone-walling, and art and craft work.
Bridgend Farmhouse itself dates back to the 18th century and was a working farm until the 1970s. It’s now being restored by a local community group with the aid of grants from the Big Lottery, the Robertson Trust and Historic Environment Scotland. Edinburgh City Council has also backed the project by handing over the derelict farmhouse to local people, making it the first example of “urban asset transfer” in Scotland.
Commenting on the heritage award, worth nearly £50,000, the chair of Bridgend Inspiring Growth Will Golding said: “This award will help bring life to the renovated farmhouse by linking its past to its exciting future.” The farmhouse will host a wide range of projects, from a community kitchen and cafe, to DIY and bike repair workshops.
Lucy Casot, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “So much of our local history is woven into peoples’ reminiscences and experiences. This project will capture these elements of our shared history which are in danger of disappearing as they slip out of human memory.”
For more details and to join in see: www.bridgendfarmhouse.org.uk
