CAMPAIGNERS hoping to save a well-loved Aberdeen farm will have to wait another month.

Aberdeen City Council has today put back plans to hand over Doonies Farm until August 1.

Council officers advised the members of the council’s urgent business committee it would need to carry out a proper valuation of the land before it could allow another group to take it on.

The Friends of Doonies, who have formed a new company to take on the running costs of the farm, wanted a 30-year-lease from the council.

They would take over the running of the farm, including paying staff.

After recommendations from the Accounts Commission earlier this year, the council has to put more scrutiny over all major land deals – which includes the land at the Nigg farm.

The council was criticised for selling off some of its property at prices below market value.

Questions have been raised by council officers over whether the group has the money to take over the farm and pay the running costs, about £10,000 to £12,000 a month.

But the group said it had several big sponsors lined up who were not willing to go public until a deal was done.

Friends of Doonies chairman John Sleigh said: “We have had support from all over the world.”

The revamped farm would include several improvements, including a glass-fronted cafe overlooking the sea.

The council will now carry out a full independent property valuation to evaluate how much rent the group would have to pay the lease the site.

The council announced in February this year it was selling off Doonies Farm to save £100,000 a year as part of a package of budget cuts.