In recent years, there has been a significant increase in farm diversification as farmers and landowners in Scotland have embraced their entrepreneurial spirit to establish a wide array of non-traditional ventures. These ventures include glamping sites, farm shops, wedding venues, farm experiences, children’s activities, livery services, B&Bs, and farm stays. Such innovative businesses have injected a fresh wave of energy and excitement into the rural economy.
A key driver behind this trend is the increasing demand for locally-sourced produce, as consumers exhibit a growing interest in the narrative behind the food and drink they consume. Consequently, the agritourism sector in Scotland has witnessed substantial growth, focusing on delivering authentic farm experiences and high-quality local products.
The 2022 Scottish Agritourism Growth Tracker, carried out by VisitScotland, revealed that the revenue generated by farm retail increased by almost £50 million in the initial year of the pandemic, highlighting the significance of integrating food and drink experiences into Scotland’s agritourism offerings. Notably, over one-third of agritourism businesses now offer on-site food and drink consumption, furnishing visitors with a distinct opportunity to connect with local produce.
However, diversification extends beyond food and drink, as evidenced by the diverse range of businesses listed on the Go Rural website. This proliferation of offerings has created numerous prospects for farms to augment their income, support sustainability, and bolster the growth of rural economies.
An illustrative case is the Glenkiln farm on the Isle of Arran, where the Bone family has successfully diversified their business over the years. Formerly a dairy farm, Glenkiln now provides liveries, long-term lets, a hydro scheme, and even owns a local restaurant and pub, underscoring the innovative nature of farm diversification.
Another noteworthy success story is the Arbikie Estate, a family-owned farm situated in Angus, which is home to Arbikie Distillery, a renowned producer of vodka, whisky and gin. With plans to become one of the world’s most sustainable distilleries, Arbikie Estate epitomizes the ambition and forward-thinking mindset of contemporary farm diversification endeavors.
Promoting agritourism businesses is the Scottish Agritourism organization, whose Go Rural brand serves as a comprehensive platform for those seeking farm stays and immersive experiences. By furnishing a one-stop destination for authentic rural experiences and high-quality products, the organization has played a pivotal role in connecting consumers with Scotland’s agritourism offerings.
Moreover, the Go Rural map, unveiled as part of the inaugural Scottish Agritourism month, encompasses information on over 200 businesses across Scotland, showcasing the diversity and richness of the country’s agritourism sector. Accessible in digital form and at VisitScotland’s network of iCentres, the map serves as a valuable resource for both visitors and locals seeking to explore Scotland’s agricultural landscape.
In conclusion, the upsurge in farm diversification in Scotland mirrors the vivacious entrepreneurial culture inherent within the country’s agricultural sector. By embracing novel ideas and ventures, farmers and landowners are not only contributing to the local economy but also affording consumers the opportunity to engage with the great outdoors in a meaningful and immersive manner.