Huge Success of Fochabers Membership Event
Scottish Agritourism held a successful event at Byres Farm in Fochabers on Monday, attracting 35 people with an interest in the sector. The event is the first of five to be held across Scotland during May, giving both Scottish Agritourism members, business owners and sector supporters the chance to come together to share sector innovation, strengthen networks and discuss best practice.
Scottish Agritourism is the sector body for agritourism in Scotland; a not-for-profit leadership organisation formed in June 2020 after Covid galvanised the existing and well connected agritourism sector. The organisation has developed to represent 250 individual members across 140 businesses.
Attendees at the Byres Farm event were treated to a tour of the hugely successful on farm visitor attraction, with a first-hand account from Bill and Helen Smith, who shared their agritourism journey and the development of their business over the last few years. There was also a BBQ with meat provided by fellow Scottish Agritourism member Louise’s Farm Kitchen, Milton of Auchinhove Farm, Lumphanan and charcuterie from Bogrow Farm, Tain.
Helen Smith of Byres Farm, and Destination Leader for Scottish Agritourism’s North region, said: “Byres Farm was really pleased to host this Scottish Agritourism event. As a Destination Leader, I’m really keen to engage with farmers and crofters in this area about what agritourism can offer them so it was super to see a good turnout from as far as the Black Isle in the north and from St Andrews in the south.”
Sector Lead for Scottish Agritourism, Caroline Millar, added: “Peer to peer knowledge transfer is a key part of the Scottish Agritourism offering and opportunities to learn and support each other are hugely important so it’s fantastic for the sector to be able to come together like this. This event, and the others that will follow, provide an opportunity to share, make connections and demonstrate the potential of our thriving sector. The next events take place in Fife, Ayrshire, Borders and Dumfries and are to anyone with an interest in growing agritourism in Scotland, including members of Scottish Agritourism. Further details can be found on the Scottish Agritourism website.”
The next events take place:
Wednesday, 11 May 2022, 16:30 – 20:00 BST
Ardross Farm, Elie, Fife, KY9 1EU
Showcasing agritourism innovation at Ardross Farm – topics selling farm produce direct, farm shops, food events and creating a destination. MORE INFO.
Monday, 16 May 2022, 17:00 – 20:00 BST
Muirhouse Farm, Ayrshire, PA13 4TH
Showcasing agritourism innovation at Muirhouse Farm with Kimalcolm Farm Tours – topics include starting up a new agritourism venture and farm tours. MORE INFO.
Tuesday, 17 May 2022, 17:00 – 20:00 BST
Wilsons Farm and Kitchen, Scottish Borders, TD5 8EH
Showcasing agritourism innovation at Wilsons Farm & Kitchen – topics include on farm events, catering, use of own farm produce and farm tours. MORE INFO.
Wednesday, 25 May 2022, 17:00 – 20:00 BST
3 Little Huts/Mossyard Farm, Dumfries & Galloway, DG7 2ET
Showcasing agritourism innovation at 3 Little Huts & Mossyard. This meeting will focus on running farmstay accommodation. MORE INFO.