LEAF Open Farm Sunday, managed by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) takes place this Sunday (June 10) when hundreds of farmers across the country will open their gates with a shared passion for British farming. The love for what they do and their individual stories are helping to bridge the gap between the general public and the food and drink they enjoy.

The industry’s annual open day to date has welcomed more than two million visitors to farms across the UK, with more than 110,000 of these heading to a farm in Scotland.

But for those who have considered LEAF Open Farm Sunday and are still not 100% sure, or have perhaps never heard of the initiative, the event on June 10 is an opportunity to visit a fellow farmer who is taking part to gain some ideas. Whether you go along as a visitor, or volunteer to help on the day, it is a great way to see how it works and ask some key questions and see first-hand why 91% of visitors were more appreciative of the work farmers do following a LEAF Open Farm Sunday experience.

Last year, 59% of the visitors were attending a LEAF Open Farm Sunday event for the first time and one in five had never visited a farm before. With a national call for farmers to engage more with the general public, you don’t have to do it on your own – let LEAF support you.

So this Sunday why not visit a farm opening their gates and it might just inspire you to take part next year.

For a full list, visit www.farmsunday.org, or to find out more about LEAF Open Farm Sunday contract Scottish Co-ordinator Rebecca Dawes on 07792 467730 or ofsrc.scotland@gmail.com

Here are just some of the farms taking part in Scotland…

Bellevue Farm, Isle of Arran

A working farm with sheep, suckler cows, barley, agricultural contracting and holiday cottages. *PRE-BOOK ESSENTIAL

Bishopston Farm at The Tin Coo, Porthlethen

This dairy farm with an on-site processing plant for cheese and milk also has a small piggery which supplies their onsite butchery on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

Ernespie, Castle Douglas

An experienced host dairy farm showcasing the work they do to produce quality milk for the public.

Orkney Buffalo, Stronsay

A family farm with water buffalo, mangalitza pigs and pet goats and donkeys.

Campbell Cairns, Aberlour

A primarily meat goat farm that also has sheep and alpacas producing yarns, skins and fabrics.

Hilton of Aldie, Kinross

A mixed sheep and cattle livestock farm with shearing demonstrations from one of Scotland’s top shearers Calum Shaw.

Netherfield Farm, Coalburn

A small alpaca breeding and trekking farm. *PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Treshnish Farm, CalgaryIsle of Mull

A hill farm with sheep, this event is part of the Mull and Iona Food Trail ‘Moveable Feasts 2018’. PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Williamwood, Lockerbie

A nature-friendly livestock farm that will be offering guided walks.

Your Local Farm, Slamannan

A mixed livestock farm with cattle, sheep, chickens, pigs and poly-tunnels growing fruit and vegetables.

Glensaugh, Laurencekirk

An upland stock farm with walks and tractor tours including science exhibits.