PICTURES: Inverness primary school children from Lochardil, Hilton, Farr and Kilchuimen learn about the value and diversity of farming and the countryside

More than 140 children from Inverness primary schools were given an insight into the value of the countryside and the operations of a working estate at a special rural event.

Youngsters in primaries four from Lochardil, Hilton, Farr and Kilchuimen primaries four to seven took part in a Food and Farming Estate Day at Dunmaglass Estate on Thursday 29th February.

Hosted by Ewan Harris, rural director at Savills and manager of Dunmaglass Estate, the Food & Farming Day was organised by the Royal Highland Education Trust Highland Countryside Initiative (RHET).

RHET works with volunteers to provide free educational activities and experiential learning opportunities linked to Curriculum for Excellence.

It was supported by SSE Renewables and Scottish Woodlands.

Pupils worked their way around various activity stations where they were given an introduction to sheep & sheep dogs, sustainable wool and textiles, beef farming and grazing management & farm machinery.

There was also insight into gamekeeping and game dogs, renewables on the estate, forestry and ‘hill to grill’, including tasting some delicious estate produce.

Food and Farming Days support the Curriculum for Excellence in areas such as Learning for Sustainability, Social Studies, HWB – Food & Health, Science, and Technology.

Savills’ Ewan Harris said: “Visitors of all ages are always surprised to see just how much goes on at a modern rural estate - from food and timber to the creation of green energy.

“I am sure RHET’s Food & Farming Day will open many eyes.

“It might even inspire some of our young visitors to follow one of many possible careers in the beautiful Scottish countryside one day."

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