Two years after a highly successful event that drew in over 2000 visitors a family open day is to be held later this month at Pitgaveny Farm near Elgin.
When the open day was last held in 2013 it managed to raise £9000 for nominated charities and volunteer groups who helped out on the day.
The open day set for Sunday, May 24 from 11am until 4pm will this year include archery, a kids’ activity area with Earthtime and a children’s craft tent.
Adults will have the chance to take part in a tractor driving challenge and see how a GPS driven tractor works, while there will be displays of farm animals including alpacas, and machinery old and new.
Traditional farming skills will also be on show with sheepdog, shearing and farrier demonstrations while the RSPB and Historic Scotland will also be on site.
“This is a great event for all the family,” said Rebecca Russell, who is a farming partner at Pitgaveny with her brother Crinan. She added: “At our last event people loved having the chance to drive tractors, see the animals buy quality food from local producers. It’s also a superb opportunity to raise some funds for worthwhile causes.”
Returning this time around will be the Farmers’ Market Marquee that proved extremely popular last time around and will feature quality local producers including Macbeth’s Butchers, Findhorn Bakery, Culisse Rapeseed Oils, Handmade Farmhouse Oatcakes from Diane Ingram, and Lossie Seafoods.
Crinan Dunbar said: “We’re delighted to be holding another open day this year. We aim to build on the success of past years and welcome more visitors than ever to our farm,”
Pitgaveny Farms Manager, Martin Birse, added: “Open Farms Sunday is a very popular national event so we’re delighted to be involved and open our gates to explain the story behind our food.”
Two charities will benefit from the event – the RSABI who provide support, advice and financial assistance to people who have worked in Scottish land-based occupations, and the RNCI, a charity that helps children and their teachers in North East Scotland develop a greater understanding of farming and working in the countryside.