About

For over 20 years Fairfield Farmhouse, possibly one of the oldest buildings in Govan, has languished in a derelict state in the northwest corner of Elder Park.

The Farmhouse and grounds were originally gifted to the people of Govan in the late 19th century by Victorian philanthropist Isabella Elder. In the early part of the 20th century Fairfield Farmhouse was a productive farm providing the local community with fresh nutritious produce. It later became an office and storehouse for the Parks department of the City Council. In the early nineties the parks department closed its office and the building was allowed to deteriorate. Linthouse Housing Association put together a proposal to renovate the building as part of a larger enterprise complex involving new build units on and around the grounds. However, several consultation exercises held by LHA proved that there was no appetite for this scheme amongst the local community so the plans were scrapped. LHA were still keen that building be saved so they organised a focus group involving local people to consider alternative proposals. In April of 2010 local volunteer group Linthouse, Elderpark and Govan Urban Planters or LEG-UP started work on transforming the grounds of the farmhouse into a community vegetable garden.

On the 11th January 2011 a public meeting was held in the Pearce Institute to discuss forming a Community Trust to renovate Fairfield Farmhouse in Elder Park. The meeting was attended by around 70 local residents.  A constitution was reviewed and agreed by all those present. 50 people signed up to the Trust and 15 of those were elected to the committee to oversee the repair work.

The committee has met several times since and recently co-opted Roger Curtis of Historic Scotland onto the team. Roger’s role is to advise on the technical aspects of the renovation. Historic Scotland have also committed substantial funds to the project for the next financial year.

The Trust’s first objective was to get the building wind proofed and watertight with a view to stopping any further deterioration. Glasgow City Council have agreed to commit funds and building resources to complete emergency roof repairs. It is hoped the building will be wind and watertight by the summer of 2011.

The Trust is keen to increase its membership and volunteer pool.

Is this project something you would like to be involved in?
Do you have spare time to commit to the project?
Do you have a skill or resource that you think will benefit the project?
Are you living or working in Greater Govan?
Are you interested in gaining experience in a sympathetic renovation project that is community led?

If you can answer yes to any of the above then the Trust is interested in hearing from you.