New data from Visit Scotland has shown a growth in popularity of Scotland’s farm shops, with more than a fifth of holidaymakers visiting a farm shop or farmers’ market during a trip to Scotland.
The Scotland Visitor Survey 2023, one of the biggest undertaken by the national tourism organisation found 22% of visitors said they spent time at a farm shop or farmers’ market.
The activity was particularly popular with visitors from Australasia with almost a third (30%) highlighting the experience.
Typically conducted every three or four years, this is the first time the Scotland Visitor Survey has been undertaken since the pandemic.
As we head into summer, now is a great time to visit Scotland’s farm shops. With this in mind, here are some of the best to check out.
(Gloagburn Farm, Tibbermore, Perth, PH1 1QL, 01738 840 864)
This charming farm shop and café is owned by third generation farmers Ian and Alison Niven.
The couple opened the shop in 2003, and have made the business a local success.
Gloagburn Farm has been run by the Niven family since 1924, and currently produces free range eggs, beef, wheat, barley and vegetables.
If you're around in the morning, the hearty cooked breakfast is the perfect way to start the day – local sausages, Ayrshire bacon, Stornoway black pudding, poached egg, tomato and toast. There are also delicious home-made soups, sandwiches and cakes to tuck into.
(St Monans, East Neuk, Anstruther KY10 2DB)
Based on Balcaskie Estate - which covers 2,000 acres of organic and regeneratively farmed land - in the East Neuk of Fife, Bowhouse has been developed as a centre for food and drink.
Known for its monthly market weekends, Bowhouse is home to a growing community of producers, which works to transform local ingredients into artisan food and drink.
(Ardross Farm, Elie KY9 1EU 01333 331400)
Ardross Farm Shop was established in 2005 and is a family farm run by a combination of mum, Fiona Pollock, and her daughters Claire Pollock, Nikki Storrar and Tara Clark.
The 380-acre tenanted unit has about 120 cattle, 130 sheep, mixed cereals, beans and vegetables. The business came about when the family saw an opportunity to open their own farm shop, supplying produce direct to their customers.
(Loch Leven's Larder/Channel Farm, Kinross KY13 9HD)
Back in 2005, Emma and Robin Niven first opened Loch Leven’s Larder, taking advantage of the beautiful location of their family farm on the banks of Loch Leven.
Since starting with only seven staff, a cafe and a market stall selling vegetables grown on the farm, the business has gone through several phases of development.
Now over 80 staff make Loch Leven's Larder one of the biggest employers in the area and over 200,000 people visit the shop and café every year.
(West Craigie Farm, Queensferry EH30 9AR)
This popular spot for fruit picking had a refurbishment in 2022 to extend the seating area in the cafe, which was given a refresh.
Seasonally you can pick strawberries, pumpkins, apples and sunflowers among other things.
(Blair Drummond, Stirling FK9 4UY)
This farm shop stocks local produce from local suppliers and farms.
You can pick up a selection of food and drinks as well as homewares and there's an excellent cafe.
(Strathtyrum Farm, Strathtyrum, St Andrews KY16 9SF)
Founded in 2010 and based just outside St Andrews in Fife, Balgove Larder has become a destination for locals and visitors alike, who are able to shop for the best Scottish food and drink from Fife and beyond.
These include seasonal produce direct from Balgove Larder’s own farms and award-winning meat prepared by their team of traditionally skilled butchers.
By converting former farm buildings, Balgove Larder now includes a Farm Shop, Steak Barn, Butchery, Flower Shed, Homestore and Café.
(Barra Castle, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie AB51 0BB)
This Aberdeen soft fruit producers are known for producing some of the finest fresh berries in the North-east.
You'll find, when in season, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries as well as many other delicious products including their luxury jam.
(Gosford, Longniddry, EH32 0PX, 01875 871234)
The star of the show at Gosford is the free range woodland wild boar, which is farmed by Robert Webster in the estate.
You can try out this fantastic produce in the form of a wild boar and apple burger, now being served in the café. There is also selection of coffees and cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
In the farm shop, you can pick up some free range chicken, eggs, and seasonal local game, as well as some organic vegetables, local bread and artisan foods.
(Falkland, Fife, KY15 7AD, 01337 857749)
The farm shop at Pillars won a Best of Organic award in 2016 for its fantastic selection of products.
You can find organic fruit and vegetables from the farm, as well as organic wholefoods, gluten free and vegetarian products, meat, dairy, and more.
All the food served in the café is vegetarian, and is freshly prepared each day. All cakes and bread are made on-site, and fruit and vegetables from the farm are used when they are in season.
There are also occasional, candle-lit bistro-nights with a full three-course menu.
(Beeswing, Dumfries, DG2 8JQ, 01387 259669)
The cafe has a whole host of fresh, often organic, foods on offer, in the form of cakes, soups and light meals.
The farm shop is also well stocked with a variety of fine local produce. There are artisan cheeses and dairy products from the farm, and bread from the farm bakery. Also, the organic meats are all from the farm's own animals or local animals, and are butchered in the farm's butchery.
The café itself is bright and airy. The building is made from living materials and fits into the landscape.
(Unit 5, Lochaber Rural Complex, Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SQ, 01397 708686)
This farm shop has a brilliant view of Ben Nevis, and is just five miles north of Fort William. In the shop, you can buy fresh and frozen meat, eggs, vegetables, cheeses, preserves, and many more local products.
Fairtrade coffee and tasty lunches are served in the café, including free-range chicken soup, outdoor-reared bacon sandwiches, and scrumptious afternoon teas.
If you want to pick up a gift or a souvenir, there are a range of local crafts on offer for you to browse.
(Kinloss, Forres, IV36, 01309 690258)
This family-run farm has had its own shop for the past 40 years, but six years ago, a coffee shop and play area was added.
There is a range of local produce for sale, including home-grown vegetables, home-bred Aberdeen Angus beef, and free-range eggs.
The café adjoins a large play barn for younger visitors. There is a great selection of equipment for children up to ten years old.
(Fordoun, Laurencekirk, AB30 1JX, 01561 321155)
All the food at Castleton is home-made using the best local or British produce. Every cake is made with Scottish flour, free-range eggs and seasonal fruit from the farm.
The café serves hot meals, sandwiches, fruit and hot drinks. The farm shop has a range of food and drink as well as everyday essentials.
During berry season, you can buy the most delicious strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cherries.
Made with their own berries, Castleton Farm Handmade jams have won awards.
