Scottish Agritourism

18/08/2026

Thank you to Gensource for their support. Trade members are instrumental to the success of our sector, and we sincerely appreciate their involvement.

We're delighted to have joined Scottish Agritourism as a Trade Member.

Scotland's agritourism sector is filled with ambitious, innovative businesses that play an important role in supporting rural communities and strengthening the Scottish economy. We're looking forward to becoming part of that community, making new connections and supporting the continued growth of the sector.

A huge thank you to the team at Scottish Agritourism for the warm welcome. We're excited to get involved and meet fellow members over the coming months. 🌱

14/08/2026

Congratulations to the five Scottish Agritourism members shortlisted in Scottish Land & Estates, Helping it Happen Awards.

Agritourism Monitor Farmer, John Scott, is shortlisted for the Rural Champion Award. John has been integral in the launch and development of Farmstrong Scotland into a trusted wellbeing movement for farmers and crofters. Through events, resources and podcasts, John has encouraged open conversations and engaged with more than 4,100 farmers and crofters. John, and his wife, Fiona, have recently opened Shore Hotel Balintore, close to Fearn Farm, Tain, where they also operate self catering accommodation, The Mill at Fearn Farm.

Lauren Houstoun, Glenkilrie Larder, Perthshire, is up for Rising Star. Driven by an incredible passion to promote and explain the rural way of life, Glenkilrie Larder donates a tonne of venison into Scottish schools each year which gives Lauren the ability to tell the story of deer management and teach children how to cook with venison.

Isle of Mull Cheese and Lower Mill of Tynet Farm are both shortlisted in the Innovation in Farming category:

Isle of Mull Cheese for using the whey by-product from their cheese to make alcohol, producing a new range of spirits & liqueurs. The project, which embodies a circular economy, was driven by a desire to find a higher-value use for whey and maximise the value of every litre of milk.

Lower Mill of Tynet, near Fochabers, has successfully innovated to develop and grow their egg business which has allowed them to diversify into dairy. Vending machines on the farm sell milk, ice cream and meat and many innovations throughout support sustainability, regeneration and energy savings.

Fair Feast CIC, a social enterprise run by Helen Stewart, Knockbarry Farm, Perthshire, processes deer from areas of extreme overpopulation and environmental damage into venison parcels for those in food scarcity. Fair Feast donations are funded by sales to the public which are matched in food bank donations. Fair Feast CIC is shortlisted in the Enhancing Our Environment through Land Management Award.

Best of luck to all the finalists. Winners will be announced at the awards event on 1 October.

13/08/2026

Congratulations to Scottish Agritourism member Forest Farm - The Organic Dairy on being awarded UK Ice-cream Parlour of the Year by The Ice Cream Alliance (UK & Ireland).

On behalf of Scottish Agritourism, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Willis family and the entire Forest Farm Dairy team.

Their journey from an organic milk refill station in 2017 to becoming a nationally recognised business is a shining example of the power and potential of agritourism to transform Scotland’s farms, strengthen rural communities, and showcase the very best our country has to offer.

13/08/2026

Scottish Agritourism Sector Lead, Caroline Millar, welcomed newly elected Angus South MSP, Lloyd Melville MSP to her own agritourism business, THE HIDEAWAY Experience, on the outskirts of Dundee this week.

Since taking up post, Mr Melville has visited several other businesses in the area, including Scottish Agritourism members, Lunan Bay Farm and The Gin Bothy, to meet with rural business owners face to face and understand the support they need from central government.

Mr Melville also retains his remit as a local SNP Councillor for Angus’ Monifieth and Sidlaw Ward and was keen to discuss local level challenges for agritourism including the Visitor Levy and Short Term Let licensing.

Caroline said; “It was a pleasure to welcome Lloyd to Balkello Farm and The Hideaway Experience and to discuss our farm business, agritourism and some of the challenges facing the wider agritourism sector. It’s encouraging to see him starting his term as an MSP by engaging so directly with local businesses, and I look forward to continuing our conversations in the months ahead.”

10/08/2026

Last week, Scottish Agritourism Board Members visited Bairnkine Farm, Near Jedburgh in Scottish Borders for a final meeting for Chair Riddell Graham and Board Member Fiona Campbell MBE.

There, host Lucy Tile led a hands-on oatcake-making workshop inspired by her involvement in the Agritourism Monitor Farm Project and a learning trip to Tuscany, where pasta-making exemplifies Italian agritourism.

Lucy's newly launched workshop showcased the creativity and community spirit central to Scotland’s agritourism.

South of Scotland Enterprise South of Scotland Destination Alliance VisitScotland Discover South Scotland - Scotland Starts Here

07/08/2026

The Scottish Agritourism Board met at Bairnkine Farm, Near Jedburgh in Scottish Borders, this week; a final meeting for Chair Riddell Graham and Board Member Fiona Campbell MBE.

Host Lucy Tile led a hands-on oatcake workshop, and following some friendly oatcake competition, Board Members met to discuss business.

The agenda focused on future strategy and activity and celebrated success, notably the Global Agritourism Conference. The Board praised Scottish Agritourism members, whose volunteering and hosting was key to the event’s success.

The meeting closed by celebrating Riddell’s two decades of dedication to Scottish Agritourism and the wider sector and Fiona’s lasting impact. Both have been instrumental in driving national conferences, policy progress, sector showcases, and development programmes.

Reflecting on his tenure, Riddell Graham said: “In the forty-plus years working in tourism, I have never met and enjoyed the company of so many positive and innovative people who are so open to sharing the challenges and successes of running their businesses. That’s what makes this sector so special and an exemplar that others should seek to learn from.”

Caroline Millar, Sector Lead for Scottish Agritourism, added: “Riddell leaves a lasting legacy, and without his commitment, drive, and unique style, Scottish Agritourism would not be where it is today.

"Fiona’s knowledge of policy and running a membership body, together with her enthusiasm for our sector, have also contributed significantly. On behalf of all our members and the rest of the board, we are indebted to both of them.”

VisitScotland ASSC Scotland South of Scotland Destination Alliance South of Scotland Enterprise Global Agritourism Network

05/08/2026

Congratulations to Scottish Agritourism member Duffus Estate on the launch of their new campsite.

Set within the beautiful grounds of Duffus House in Moray, Duffus Estate Camping features 30 tent pitches in a historic walled garden, 20 touring spots with stunning views, modern amenities, and barista coffee from the Koffie Box.

Owner Ed Dunbar said of the news: “Our aim has always been to foster a deep appreciation for the land and its heritage. This campsite allows us to invite guests to explore Moray, discover hidden gems, and create lasting memories on our cherished estate.”

Bookings are now available: https://www.duffusestate.com/duffusestate-camping/

03/08/2026

Scottish Agritourism members are encouraged to take part in ASSC Scotland's survey to Shape the Future of Climate Action in Scotland's Self-Catering Sector.

In line with their goal for responsible tourism, the ASSC is building a picture of the self-catering sector, identifying sustainability challenges and opportunities ahead, and ensuring that any future support, guidance or advocacy is shaped by evidence.

Scottish Agritourism members in self-catering are invited to share their experiences, whether you engage in, plan to adopt, or do not have sustainable practices. Each response is important.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey.

Take part here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q27TFHQ

02/08/2026

Fresh off stage at June’s Global Agritourism Conference in Aberdeen, Scottish Agritourism Board Member Alison Younger recaps how a diverse group of agritourism leaders from Australia, Scotland, the USA, and Canada are approaching consumer trends around the world.


Global Agritourism Network