Go Rural Scotland

A new petition by agritourism owner Lauren Houston, Glenkilrie Larder, is raising concerns and awareness about the growing reliance on ultra processed food (UPF) in school meals, including vegetarian meat substitutes and processed meat options, as an unhealthy approach for children.

The petition, under consideration by the Scottish Parliament, is calling for a review of the nutritional standards in school meals, with the specific aim of banning UPF in school meals across Scotland.

Lauren said, “Scottish farmers produce some of the finest food in the world, yet our local authorities are opting for ultra-processed, often imported alternatives. Our children's nutrition is crucial for their growing minds and bodies and I am extremely disappointed by the current school meals. I am asking the Scottish population to stand with me and sign my petition, for the banning of ultra-processed foods in schools and force local authorities to use whole foods. Ensuring the next generation is happy and healthy."

You can sign the petition here https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2173

The deadline to be included in our popular 2025 Go Rural map is this Monday 14th April. Join Scottish Agritourism to make sure your business is featured. 👇

Scottish Agritourism is recruiting additional directors for our voluntary, skills-based board.

The Best Lambing Experiences in Scotland for 2025 🐑

Spring is here, and across Scotland, farms are welcoming new life, with lambing season just about get under way!

Many farms across Scotland open their doors for visitors to experience lambing first hand. You might have the chance to witness live births, interact with newborn lambs and learn about their first few days before they go out to the fields. This makes spring one of the most popular times to Go Rural and visit a real working farm.

To help you find the best lambing experiences in 2025, we’ve put together a list of our favourite bookable experiences for you to enjoy this spring.

Make sure to click the link below to discover Scotland’s best lambing experiences in 2025.

https://www.goruralscotland.com/go-rural-blog/2025/march/top-lambing-experiences-in-2025/

Scotland’s Best Lambing Experiences:

Jacksons At Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
Lennox of Lomond , Loch Lomond
Newton Farm Holidays, Angus
The Wee Farm Distillery, South Lanarkshire
Incheoch Granary, Perthshire
Down on the Farm, Aberdeenshire
Kilmacolm Farm Tours, Inverclyde
The Old Manse Farm, Loch Lomond
Arnprior Farm, Stirlingshire
Oakfield Farm, Perthshire
Solsgirth Home Farm Ltd, Perthshire
The Snug at Logie Farm, Fife
Carmont valley livestock, Aberdeenshire
Pitmeadow Farm, Perthshire
Smailholm Mains Cottages, Scottish Borders
Grobdale of Girthon, Dumfries & Galloway
Stouslie Snugs Luxury Farm Glamping, Scottish Borders
Farm Ness, The Highlands
Bellevue Farm - Holiday Cottages & Farm Tours, Isle of Arran

VisitScotland

With the sun shining bright this week and crisp, clear skies all around, there’s no better time to Go Rural! 🌞Escape to the countryside, soak in stunning views, and breathe in the fresh rural air. 💙

Where will you explore?

Visit our website to find the best rural experiences and farm stays Scotland has to offer.

https://www.goruralscotland.com/

Reminder: If you’re an agritourism business in Scotland and would like to be included on the 2025 Go Rural map, send us an email at [email protected] for further info.

The Arns Glamping Pods Long Island Retreats Big Sky Lodges Davochfin Farm, Dornoch The Lint Mill VisitScotland

🌟It’s time to showcase some of the newest members to the Go Rural family 👇

🏔️Achray Farm, Stirlingshire
Set in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Achray Farm is a perfect base for walking, cycling, and exploring. Stay in a cosy self-catering let or drop by for homemade artisan ice cream and sorbet.

🏡Lowwood Lodges, Renfrewshire
Home to five new spacious, luxury lodges, each featuring an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, perfect for group entertaining, plus a wood-fired hot tub and stunning countryside views. Conveniently close to Glasgow.

🦌Tullynessle Deer Farm, Aberdeenshire
Family-run farm dedicated to producing premium Scottish venison while championing sustainability and ethical farming. Email to order direct or get in touch to book your very own deer farm tour experience.

Which of these would you like to visit? Head to our website to Go Rural and find the best agritourism experiences Scotland has to offer.

https://www.goruralscotland.com/

👉 Keep an eye out for the brand-new Go Rural map coming in 2025! All our Scottish Agritourism members will be featured. If you run an agritourism business and want to promote your farm or venue, now’s the perfect time to join the network!

📧Get in touch at [email protected].

VisitScotland

Scotland’s top farm shops!

Farm shops are the ultimate shopping experience - packed with fresh, seasonal produce, artisanal treats, and the lowest possible food miles. Every purchase supports a hardworking rural business, making it a win-win for you and the local economy.

Here are 7 great reasons to start shopping at farm shops:

✅ Unbeatable quality
✅ Support local businesses
✅ Low food miles
✅ Seasonal freshness
✅ Unique & artisan products
✅ Gifts inspiration & hampers
✅ It’s more than just shopping!

✨ Find out why farm shops should be your new go-to! Read our latest blog to find out more and Go Rural toexplore Scotland’s best farm shops.

📖Blog: https://tinyurl.com/vawd3e34

📷Ardross Farm 1littlefarm Gloagburn Farm Shop Black Isle Berries Cairnie Fruit Farm Marshalls Farm Shop Charleton Fruit Farm Loch Leven's Larder

VisitScotland Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Make it Scotch

GO RURAL MAP 2025: Put your agritourism business on the map!

Calling all agritourism businesses in Scotland – the 2025 edition of our ever-popular Go Rural map is in development. Don’t miss your chance to be featured and help visitors find your farm.

✅ Over 250 agritourism and rural businesses
✅ Distributed across Scotland
✅ Your own pin on the map

Being on the map is a powerful way to attract visitors and promote your business and you’ll also become part of the network driving a strong, thriving agritourism sector in Scotland. All Scottish Agritourism members as of 14th April 2025 will feature on the new Go Rural map.

🔗 Click the link below or email [email protected] to find out more about membership.

https://www.goruralscotland.com/member/become-a-member/

VisitScotland Highland Fold Ice Cream Sillyflatt Fare, Flowers and Gatherings Cloag Farm Cottages Balnab Farm Wigwam Holidays Wigtown Marshalls Farm Shop

Need a break from the busyness of everyday life? These three working Scottish farms offer the perfect escape - whether you’re after total seclusion, a touch of luxury, or a cosy hideaway surrounded by nature. Where would you go first? 👇 🌲

BrucefieldEstate, Clackmannanshire
🌳 Leave the world of 9 - 5 behind and surround yourself with the warmth and scent of pure wood from your cosy Schenbothy.

Tiny Home Borders, Scottish Borders
🏊‍♀️ Wild swim and paddleboard in your own private lochan and relax in your cosy hillside retreat with hot tub.

Fairygreen Farm at Dunsinnan Estate, Perthshire
🛁 With views of the Sidlaw Hills and Strathmore Valley, the Cabin at Fairygreen is a haven of calm and includes you own private outdoor bath.

Go Rural to a real working Scottish farm this year to experience something truly special and unique. Visit our website to make your Go Rural plans now:

https://goruralscotland.com/

VisitScotland

Go Rural for breathtaking countryside views! 😍 Here are six real working Scottish farms where you can soak in stunning scenery you'll want to return to again and again. 👇

📍Bengairn Country Lodges
🏡Book a stay in a bespoke lodge overlooking a peaceful, idyllic lochan – feel a world away from it all.

📍The Fauld Mull
🌅Enjoy expansive views over the Sound of Mull and towards the Ardnamurchan peninsula from your Hebridean farm hike.

📍The Arns Glamping Pods
🏕️Surround yourself with the beautiful countryside around Bridge of Allan from your glamping pod.

📍Glenorchy Farm
🗻Take in the beauty of a quiet secluded Glen from the comfort of your luxury farm stay.

📍Alvie & Dalraddy Estates
🏔️Stay on a stunning estate in the heart of the Cairngorms, where gorgeous scenery meets adventure.

📍Pirleyhill Pods
🌊Wake up to breathtaking views of Ailsa Crag from your cosy glamping pod.

These are just a few of the incredible Go Rural farm stays waiting for you. Explore them all on our website.

https://www.goruralscotland.com/