Public and schoolkids invited to visit Hillhead of Muirton

A well-known North East dairy farm is throwing open its gates to the public and local schoolchildren as part of the forthcoming Open Farm Sunday celebration.

Roddy and Angela Catto, who farm at Hillhead of Muirton, Whitecairns, near Dyce have invited local schoolchildren to visit the farm on Friday 15 June.  A day later (Saturday 16 June), the farm invites all members of the public to come along.

Working with the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative, there is a treat in store for all who visit.  Not only do they get to see a modern dairy farm and the story of where milk comes from but there are guided farm tours, sheepdog demonstrations and working farm machinery on display.  And for animal lovers, there will be cows, calves, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry.  Also available will be a wide selection of locally produced foods and, on the Saturday, cookery demonstrations and tastings.

An excited Roddy said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming local schools to Hillhead of Muirton on Friday 15 June and we open to the public the day after.

“We have pulled together an action-packed, informative and entertaining event that will have something for everyone. We are keen that people hear the fantastic story we have about the quality and provenance of local produce and introduce them to the vast array of local businesses who produce food and drink on our doorstep.

“We also want the public, and especially children, to learn more about potential careers in agriculture. You don’t need to be a farmer and stuck at the backend of a cow to have a career in our industry. There are many farming related careers – some less, and some more practical - which are equally as exciting and rewarding for school children to consider.  

Royal Northern Agricultural Initiative Manager Rob Clunas, who has helped organise the event said: “We are so pleased to be working in partnership with NFU Scotland and the Catto family, in helping promote our agricultural industry to school children, their teachers and the public over these two days. It should be an amazingly informative event for everyone involved.”  

Notes to Editors

• LEAF Open Farm Sunday is the farming industry’s national open day. It encourages people to visit a farm to find out about the story behind our food and how farming affects our everyday lives.  The majority of Open Farm Sunday events will take place on Sunday 10th June 2018. More info on Open Farm Sunday at: https://farmsunday.org/
• Working with the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative and NFU Scotland, Roddy and Angela Catto will open their farm at Hillhead of Muirton Farm, Whitecairns, Near Dyce, Aberdeen, AB23 8UX to local schools on Friday 15 June from 10am to 2pm. There will be guided farm tours every 15 minutes; working sheep dog demos at 11am and 12.30pm; silage baling and wrapping at 11.20am and 12.50pm.  There will be lots of animals to meet, including dairy cows, dairy calves, beef cows, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry. Static displays illustrating variety of locally produced foods from Aberdeenshire.
• On Saturday 16 June, the farm will be open to all members of the public from 10am to 4pm. There will be guided farm tours every 15 minutes; working sheep dog demos at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm; silage baling and wrapping at 11.20am, 12.50pm and 2.20pm.  There will be lots of animals to meet, including dairy cows, dairy calves, beef cows, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry. Static displays illustrating variety of locally produced foods from Aberdeenshire and cookery demonstrations by Sandy Greig (from Two Fat Laddies) throughout morning, lunchtime and afternoon. Beef, Pork & Lamb tastings. 
• If media would like to attend, call Lorna on 07786 860453 
• A photograph of Roddy at Hillhead of Muirton alongside those organising the event is available on request from media@nfus.org.uk

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006