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  6. How Solsgirth Farm went from dairy to diversity

How Solsgirth Farm went from dairy to diversity

4 minute read • Last updated: 19 March 2025

Solsgirth Home Farm, a family-run agritourism destination in Clackmannanshire, has transformed from a traditional dairy farm into a vibrant hub offering educational experiences, sustainable practices, and diverse accommodations. Rooted in a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, the farm invites visitors to connect with rural Scotland in meaningful ways. 
 
Learn how Solsgirth Farm diversified its offerings, embraced sustainability, and engaged with the travel trade to create a thriving agritourism business. 

In this article:

  • The visitor experience
  • Working in the tourism industry
  • The future
  • Advice for agritourism businesses

The visitor experience

A family browsing skin care products at a farm shop

Shopping at Solsgirth Home Farm

"Knowing that we are playing our part in educating on sustainable farming and linking people with food is incredibly rewarding."

Solsgirth Farm offers a variety of experiences designed to immerse visitors in the beauty of rural Scotland: 

  • Guided farm tours – Explore the farm's operations and learn about sustainable farming practices. 
  • Monthly farmers’ markets – Monthly farmers’ markets – Shop for local produce and handmade goods. 
  • Creative hands-on workshops – Participate in seasonal activities like spring lambing tours, willow weaving, and Christmas wreath making. 

The farm serves as an educational space for families, schools, and community groups, aiming to inform and entertain. Visitors can also choose from diverse accommodations, including the large farmhouse, the elegant Dower House, the quirky Butler’s Flat, and the cozy Coachman’s Lodge, all situated within the historic Solsgirth House.

 

 

 

 

 

Education

Solsgirth Home Farm is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and learning through hands-on experiences. As an educational space for families, schools, and community groups, the farm offers opportunities to discover sustainable farming practices, connect with animals, and explore where food comes from. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to engage with the natural environment while gaining a deeper understanding of life on a working farm.

Accommodation

Nestled within the historic Solsgirth House estate, the farm offers a variety of unique accommodation options to suit different tastes and group sizes. Guests can choose from the spacious farmhouse, the elegant Dower House, the quirky Butler’s Flat, or the cozy Coachman’s Lodge. Each property combines comfort and character, providing the perfect base for a rural escape or immersive farm experience.

Seasonal experiences

Throughout the year, Solsgirth Home Farm hosts a diverse range of events and workshops that reflect the rhythm of the seasons. From spring lambing tours and willow weaving sessions to festive Christmas wreath-making, the farm offers something for everyone. Whether it’s a one-off visit or a regular outing, these experiences help visitors connect with the land, learn new skills, and enjoy time together outdoors.

Working in the tourism industry

A mother and daughter sit on straw bales bottle feeding young lambs

Feeding the lambs at Solsgirth Home Farm

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

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.

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

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:

  • New workshops and activities

    Introducing additional experiences to engage visitors year-round.

  • Additional accommodations

    Expanding lodging options to cater to diverse visitor needs. 

  • Support for local artisans

    Establishing small business units for craft and artisan businesses with similar values.

  • Culinary experiences

    Equipping the Big Barn with an in-house catering kitchen for events like cooking demonstrations and food markets.

  • Ochil’s Coffee Roastery

    Preparing to open a new on-site coffee roastery, enhancing the farm's offerings.

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.”

Is your business sustainable?

Responsible tourism is considering the wider impact your business and visitors could have on Scotland, and the world.

Implementing sustainable practices and considering the natural environment around us can positively impact not only your business but the wider community.

Sustainability

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