Campaign urges city dwellers to visit Scottish farms
© Go Rural Scotland A new campaign to encourage residents in Scottish towns and cities to visit a nearby farm or croft in 2022, will launch this weekend with Dundee as the starting city.
The Go Rural campaign will encourage urban residents from 20 towns and cities to get out into the countryside, buy food and drink directly from a farmer, visit a farm for the day, or book an overnight break or holiday.
There will also be a focus on building knowledge and awareness of the Countryside Code and how to keep people and animals safe in the countryside.
See also: Ambitious plans for Scottish agritourism sector unveiled
The campaign is being delivered by sector body Scottish Agritourism, using the Go Rural consumer-facing brand with support from other farming, rural and tourism organisations.
It is being supported by VisitScotland as part of the post-Covid recovery programme on behalf of the Scottish government.
Caroline Millar, sector lead for Scottish Agritourism, said: “Visiting a farm and providing access to green space is hugely beneficial to a person’s mental and physical wellbeing.
“We do however have a responsibility as an organisation encouraging thousands of people to visit the countryside to explain the importance of how to leave only footprints, and how to act responsibly for the safety of farm animals, wildlife and people.”
Social media offering
Activity from each town or city will include live tours on social media every weekend, blogs and guides featuring the nearest Go Rural farms where you can buy or eat farm produce, visit for a day out or take a quick weekend change of scene.
Meanwhile, podcasts and videos will capture the stories of different farmers across Scotland.
Scottish Agritourism members are being encouraged to host events on farm over the Easter break, with many planning spring farm tours to complement another fortnight of the popular “Lambathon” live on social media in April, which will form part of the overall campaign.
The campaign is being supported by several MPs, MSPs and local councillors.