Land-Based Businesses to Learn Recipe for Success

Land managers in southwest Scotland have the opportunity to learn about the business enhancement opportunities created through using locally sourced rural food and drink.

Businesses are invited to attend the next rural enterprise demonstration day, ‘Recipe for Success’, hosted by landowner membership organisation Scottish Land & Estates, on Wednesday, 28 September.

Those interested can come along to Dalduff Farm at Crosshill, Maybole to find out how to generate additional income by diversification into an industry which is thriving in the area.

Food and drink is an integral part of the rural sector in Scotland and contributes up to £10 billion annually to the national economy.

In the morning, delegates will hear from specialists including Liz Ramsay of Savour the Flavours in Dumfries and Galloway, marketing expert Ian McCaig from Plan B on website design and Chris Harrison of Waulkmill Cider who will prove that you don’t need a huge apple orchard to take an income from your apples.

Chris Harrison of Waulkmill Cider commented: "Anyone with rural land they feel can be used as an apple orchard can get help from me on orchard planning, apple varieties and other aspects of apple growing.

"As well as cider, apple juice is also proving a huge success, sometimes blended with a natural spring water.

"I hope that the delegates at the demonstration day will entertain the idea of apples and the long-term possibilities of an orchard.

"I am keen to achieve a cider and an apple juice produced purely from apples grown in one county.

"Scotland once had hundreds of varieties of apples being grown, and there are very few of these left now."

Pat Somerville, project officer for Scottish Land & Estates, commented: "People these days are looking for quality, locally-sourced and fresh food and drink and there is plenty of room to encourage enterprise and develop stronger local networks in Ayrshire.

"Much of the demo day will focus on innovative thinking - we wish to provide ideas and persuade delegates to explore opportunities and to understand what will suit them as individuals or families.

"These events are aimed at encouraging people to use what they have to their maximum advantage."

Lunch will be provided at Dalduff Farm, Crosshill, also known as the Kitchen in the Country where James McFadzean proves that diversification works extremely well.

Optionally, after lunch, James will show attendees round the premises, kitchens and preparation areas. Delegates will then receive a tour of the award-winning Heads of Ayr Farm Park.

For more details on the event and to attend please send an emaila to Joyce Karch or telephone 0131 653 5400.

The event is free with a small charge towards towards catering costs, which includes refreshments and lunch. Exhibition stand space is available, with discounts for Scottish Land & Estates members.

More details on the programme and how to book.

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