Another Fantastic Scottish Agritourism Conference

A huge thank you to all the delegates, sponsors and exhibitors for supporting last week’s hugely successful Scottish Agritourism Conference. We hope everyone enjoyed an inspirational, motivational and thought provoking day and evening programme. These are just some of the highlights.

Sector Data Announcement – Massive Progress to 2030 KPIs

Sharing headline data from the recent Agritourism Sector Census, Caroline Millar announced significant progress towards 2030 national strategy KPIs. A full census report is expected to be published in January. Early results indicate: 

Overall agritourism sector value has risen from £170 million in 2022 (agritourism and farm retail combined), reaching £292 million which exceeds the 2030 KPI of £250 million. This does not include the value of supply chain spend and is thought to have been driven by new entrants, investment by existing businesses, more quality data and partially by inflation.

2.5 million people visited a farm for agritourism and/or farm retail in 2024 – and 200,0000 stayed overnight – an increase from an estimated 1.6 million; a figure which is four times the number of visitors to Stirling Castle each year. This also surpasses the 2030 target of 2 million and clearly demonstrates agritourism’s role as the sales arm of agriculture.

A further notable finding from the census is the significant value of capital investment projected from agritourism and farm retail businesses in the coming 2 years which totals just short of £200 million. A fantastic indication for further sector growth and capital spending with support, professional and financial services.

£1 million Capital Grant Funding for Agritourism

Following Caroline’s presentation, Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and the Islands addressed conference delegates, acknowledging significant challenges in the business landscape and sector resilience in spite of these. Ms Gougeon announced a £1 million capital grant scheme will open for applications in 2026. The Agritourism Investment Scheme (AIS), will provide flexible capital support for investment in agritourism businesses, to help enable financially sustainable, profitable, and resilient businesses that will play a key role in sustaining the future of Scottish agriculture.

In her speech, Ms Gougeon said; “Scottish Agritourism has built excellent business case in support of capital grants for agritourism. I would like to thank Caroline for raising issues and collecting case studies for the National Agritourism Strategy Board that have demonstrated the impact capital grants can have on individual business and sector growth. I am delighted to announce a Scottish Government investment scheme is being finalised and will be open for applications early in the new year.”

READ MORE Full Speech from Mairi Gougeon

Business Plan Skills Support from Virgin Money

Stephen Buchan, Head of Agriculture (Scotland) for Virgin Money (pictured) announced the launch of a Business Plan Skills Programme for Scottish Agritourism members, providing support from Virgin Money to build confidence and skills in developing business plans. In the first cohort of business plan support, 20 member businesses will be provided with a dedicated advisor from the Virgin Money agricultural team between early January and the end of March who will provide business plan feedback with a view to having 20 completed plans by the end of March.

Stephen, said: “Banks need to receive well thought through, clear and accurate business plans with financial data and narrative to support successful applications for finance. These plans needs to engage people like myself and my colleagues within the first five minutes.

Being asked for a business plan can be daunting for some people, especially if you have not undertaken one before. This programme will be open to all Scottish Agritourism members – even those that are not looking for finance right now can hone their skills with a view to applying for a loan at a later date.”

The Business Planning Skills Support Programme will be officially launched early in the new year.