How Solsgirth Farm went from dairy to diversity

4 minute read • Last updated: 19 March 2025

Solsgirth Home Farm dates back over 100 years and was a dairy farm until 2019. It’s is now a thriving agritourism business near Dollar, in Clackmannanshire. It covers approximately 360 acres of grassland and woodland, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

Visitors can take a farm experience tour, shop for local produce at the market and stay in a variety of self-catering accommodation.

The team are driven by sustainability. “Our ethos is where everything works full circle and in harmony with nature and the environment. Our bees pollinate the apple trees, and give us honey, the apples give us our juice. The pomace that remains after the crushing of apples helps to feed the animals on the farm.

The visitor experience

We invite visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of rural Scotland

At Solsgirth Farm they offer visitors a variety of experiences from guided farm tours and monthly farmers’ markets, to creative hands-on workshops.

Their experiences such as spring lambing tours, willow workshops and Christmas wreath workshops provide unique and varied opportunities for visitors to engage with the farm throughout the year.

The team at Solsgirth Home Farm enjoy the opportunity to connect with a variety of people. “We love to welcome returning visitors, whether annually or even monthly, to our events and markets - this adds a sense of continuity and community.”

Education

Solsgirth Home Farm has been developed “as a space to help educate, inform, and have fun.” Visitors can take creative and educational courses available for families, schools, and community groups.

They want to share their vision for farming and sustainability. “Knowing that we are playing our part in educating on sustainable farming and linking people with food is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, it’s also great to see visitors’ enjoyment while immersing themselves in the farm’s outdoor environment.”

Accommodation

They also offer diverse accommodation at Solsgirth Home Farm.

“With our large farmhouse and the elegant Dower House, quirky Butler’s Flat and cozy Coachman’s Lodge at historic Solsgirth House, there is something to suit everyone. Guests have the opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices, interact with our animals, and enjoy the natural surroundings.”

Working in the tourism industry

Family enjoying Solsgirth Home Farm — Solsgirth Home Farm

Attending networking events

“Working with VisitScotland has been a fantastic experience for us. We have been blown away by the enthusiasm and their support for the agritourism sector in Scotland.”

The team attended VisitScotland Connect , which allowed them to showcase Solsgirth Home Farm to a wider international audience. They were able to make online listings with and make valuable connections within the tourism industry.

“Attending VisitScotland Connect has opened our eyes to all sorts of possibilities. It opened doors for us in the travel trade industry.”

Solsgirth hosted a group on a familiarisation trip before the event, getting the chance to give businesses and suppliers a taster of what their clients can expect. Also, they found the experience extremely worthwhile as they were able to gain some valuable insights and feedback.

The future for Solsgirth Farm

Solsgirth Home Farm in Dollar, Clackmannanshire

We have plans to introduce new workshops and activities, additional accommodation options, and uphold our commitment to sustainability and community engagement throughout the farm.

The team now have big plans. They’re looking to expand their agritourism offerings to further enrich the visitor experience at Solsgirth Home Farm with lots in the pipeline.

“We are in the process of establishing small business units to support local craft / artisan businesses with a similar ethos and will be utilising one for the sale of our own produce.”

“Our Big Barn is being equipped with an in-house catering kitchen to accommodate events such as cooking demonstrations and occasional food and drink markets as well as being used for our own production. Furthermore, preparations are underway for the opening of the Ochil’s Coffee Roastery, with initial groundwork already in progress on the site.”

Advice for Agritourism businesses

Stay true to your values and embrace the unique opportunities that agritourism offers.

After creating new products for travel distribution, Solsgirth advise businesses to “focus on providing authentic experiences that highlight the beauty of your location and connect visitors with the land”.

They’ve also found that collaborating with local partners and organisations is key. “Work together to promote each other, it’s a guaranteed way of expanding your horizons and fostering community engagement.”

“Always strive to exceed visitor expectations, as reviews and word of mouth are what truly matter. What people say about you and your business is what shapes your reputation and ensures continued success.”

Sign up for the latest advice

Sign up for the Business Support monthly newsletter to get the latest advice and tips straight to your inbox. We’ll keep you informed with up-to-date insights, case studies and best practice guides to help you start, improve or grow your business.

Get the Business Support newsletter