RESIDENTS of 20 of Scotland’s towns and cities will be encouraged to “Go Rural” and visit their nearby farms and crofts by a new campaign kicking off in Dundee this weekend.

The Go Rural campaign, spearheaded by the sector body Scottish Agritourism and part of the Scottish Government’s post-Covid recovery programme, will encourage Scottish urbanites to explore the Scottish countryside, book holidays or overnight breaks, and buy food and drink directly from Scotland’s farmers.

In addition to building awareness of how accessible rural Scotland is to those living in more urban areas, the campaign hopes to educate the nation in the Countryside Code and how to keep both humans and animals safe throughout rural Scotland.  

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Activities taking place in each participant city or town will include live tours on social media every week and online guides featuring Go Rural farms where local produce can be purchased.

Scottish Agritourism sector lead Caroline Millar commented: “83 per cent of Scotland’s population lives in two per cent of Scotland’s land in urban areas. Farmers are not only keen to welcome urban residents to visit the countryside, but to buy food and drink direct from a farmer and to have the opportunity to be able to have those on farm discussions about how Scotland’s food and drink is produced, and what farmers do to look after the environment and landscape.

“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.  Conversations about responsible tourism will be a key focus of the campaign, delivered in a way which will inform and build relationships.”

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SNP MP for Dundee West Chris Law, whose Dundee constituency takes in urban Dundee and the urban fringe of South Angus, also said: “In Scotland we are incredibly lucky to have some of the world’s freshest and finest locally produced food and drink right here on our doorstep. Go Rural is an exciting initiative which I hope will give people in our towns and cities the opportunity to learn more about where this food and drink comes from, as well as introduce them to the rural communities who work so hard to produce it. I would encourage everyone in our towns and cities to Go Rural and visit their local participating farm or croft.”

Dave Doogan, SNP MP for Angus, added: “Go Rural is an outstanding initiative from our farming sector in Scotland and demonstrates that farmers are constantly diversifying into broader markets. With Go Rural, we have a wonderful opportunity to spend time on farm getting closer to the sources of Scotland outstanding food production and the people who make the magic happen.

“No matter where you are in Scotland there is now every reason to Go Rural and enjoy getting closer than ever to Scottish farming.”