Scotland is known throughout the world for its stunning landscapes and rich scenery as well as its produce, from whisky to Scottish beef and lamb, from this natural environment. With increasing global awareness in food provenance and sustainability, agritourism – tourism or leisure on a working farm or croft producing food or fibre – provides unique and memorable countryside experiences.
Vicki Miller, Director of Marketing and Digital at VisitScotland, Scotland’s national tourism board says : “In recent years, particularly during the pandemic, agritourism has become a growing travel trend, with visitors seeking out authentic rural experiences that connect them to the countryside and Scotland’s natural larder.” Here’s just a flavour of agritourism experiences that can be enjoyed in Scotland.
Long Island Retreats, South Uist, Outer Hebrides
Visiting a beautiful Scottish island is always a special experience, but at Long Island Retreats on the island of South Uist, owners Donald and Lindsay offer activities to make your stay particularly memorable. On a walking tour of the croft, you’ll meet wild red deer and farm livestock, hear how the island’s crofting heritage and culture has shaped the place and its people, and even learn some Gaelic, all against the backdrop of stunning Hebridean scenery. Take a tour of the unique eco-system of the largest Machair area in Europe, explore the croft in the company of a herd of delightful Shetland ponies, enjoy a sheep-shearing demonstration, or explore the island more widely on a 4×4 vehicle tour. www.longislandretreats.co.uk
Kitchen Coos & Ewes, Dumfries and Galloway
Kitchen Coos & Ewes is run by Neale and Janet McQuistin at Airyolland Farm in the rolling countryside of Dumfries and Galloway. The farm is located within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature.
Board the farm tour trailer to tour the surround hills; home to herds of iconic Highland cattle and Beltex sheep, enjoy the skill of a sheepdog demonstration, and even enjoy the unique hands-on experience of grooming a young Highland calf! Join a knowledgeable guide on a walking tour meeting farm animals, visiting the remains of a Bronze Age hut circle, and learning about the creation of drystone dykes. Tours include home baking, and you can even book a delicious cream tea. www.kitchencoosandewes.com
Old Leckie Farm, Stirling
Old Leckie Farm lies close to the historic city of Stirling, and indeed the farm has a unique history of its own. This land once belonged to Robert the Bruce, and you’ll be walking in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie who visited the 16th Century Grade A listed farmhouse. The farm has been home to the Younger family for over 100 years and today owners Fergus and Alison Younger and their three young daughters enjoy welcoming visitors from all over the world. The family lead bespoke farm tours to meet their herds of Highland castle, sheep, pigs and free range hens. Visitors can learn about sustainable farming in Scotland, and book a farm tasting to sample Old Leckie’s award-winning seasonal range of farm produce: free range eggs, Highland beef, outdoor reared pork and lamb. www.oldleckie.co.uk
Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen, Scottish Borders
Cowbog Farm has been home to the Wilson family since 1938, with three generations managing and protecting the land that is set in the historic and beautiful Scottish Borders. The family provides walking tours of the farm which vary with the season. Hear the history of the farm and the local area, and an overview of what the farm produces. Learn how they have developed biodiversity, meet their award-winning herd of Hereford cows, and spot local wildlife. After the tour, enjoy a delicious, seasonal, home cooked meal featuring produce from the farm and other local providers. www.wilsonsfarmandkitchen.com
Newton Farm Tours, Angus
Newton Farm Holidays enjoys an idyllic setting in rural Angus. Graeme and Louise Nicoll, together with their two and four legged family members, provide authentic, guided farm experiences, enabling visitors to explore daily life on a Scottish farm, and produce throughout the seasons. Experiences include walking with alpacas and Highland cow grooming. During lambing season, educational sessions for adults and fun family activities such as lamb bottle feeding and lamb cuddling are also on offer! Guests can also stay on the farm, either in the ensuite family room in the main farmhouse with a delicious Taste of Angus breakfast, or on a self-catering basis in the well equipped three-bedroom farm cottage. www.newtonfarmholidays.co.uk
Aberdeen Highland Beef, Banchory, Aberdeenshire
In the heart of lovely Royal Deeside, Grace Noble farms Highland cattle at Lochton of Leys Farm, Banchory, providing visitors with a unique and authentic farm to fork experience. Tour the farm with Grace as she shares her passion for this iconic breed. Visitors can get up close and personal with the herd, and even enjoy the change to groom Duchess, one of the herd’s award-winning mums. There is also the opportunity to sample some succulent prime Highland beef. At certain times of year, visitors can enjoy the experience of sheering sheep under one-to-one supervision from experienced farm hands, or of cuddling delightful Scottish lambs. www.aberdeenshirehighlandbeef.com
Go Rural Scotland is a thriving community of Scotland’s farmers and crofters, passionate about producing the highest quality food and drink, and committed to caring for the environment and protecting Scotland’s landscapes for everyone to enjoy responsibly. It’s a close-knit network of quality agritourism businesses, located throughout the Scottish countryside, offering locals and visitors alike high quality and memorable experiences.
For more information on agritourism experiences across Scotland visit the Go Rural Scotland website: www.goruralscotland.com. Be sure to book in advance!
Main photo: Meeting the locals. Photo: Long Island Retreats.