Erskine's Lamont Farm faces uncertain future as virus crisis takes its toll

Lamont Farm has been a Renfrewshire institution for more than four decades but Trisha Craig admits it faces an uncertain future as lockdown restrictions take their toll.

“I think it’s 50-50 as to whether we can reopen,” she told The Gazette.

“We do have an outside area but we won’t be opening back up straight away because I don’t think it’s safe enough yet.

“It has been incredibly difficult for us because we survive on donations and we’ve not been able to make any money.

“Many people have been supporting us by buying off our Amazon Wish List and donating lots of fruit and veg for the animals. However, if we can’t reopen before the end of the year, there’s every chance we could lose Lamont Farm.”

Despite these tough times, the Erskine community has been rallying round to support the charity, based in Barrhill Road.

Local firm C and A Interiors came to the rescue last week after a would-be thief caused around £500 worth of damage while trying to break through the fire doors of the farm’s main barn.

Company director Graham Shillady repaired the doors free of charge, with the help of his son and apprentice Cameron.

Graham said: “We saw the farm’s Facebook post about the break-in and, as we’re a local company, we thought it’d be nice to help.

“We often walk past the farm and visited when it was open. It’s good to stick together as a community in times like this.”

Trisha, 37, said such support has been vital – and that, if Lamont Farm was to close, it would be a “big loss” for the Erskine community.

She said: “We’re not the biggest or most fancy farm but the animals are well looked after and we do provide a good service.

“The farm has been here for 43 years and it’s like a wee institution in Erskine.”

To support the charity, visit www.facebook.com/LamontFarmProject.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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