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The 2024 Go Rural map, a showcase of Scotland’s best farms and crofts to visit to buy food and drink, to spend the day or to stay on holiday has been launched by sector body Scottish Agritourism, to celebrate the end of Scottish Agritourism Month.

The Go Rural map makes it easy for both locals and visitors to find working farms and crofts to experience, as Scotland’s diverse agritourism offering grows and people seek new ways to enjoy the Scottish countryside, get outdoors and experience food and drink direct from a farmer. Farm businesses included on the map offer a variety of tourism and leisure activities ranging from children’s play to luxury lodges, dog parks to hands on farming experiences.

248 farms feature on this year’s new map, up from 217 in 2023. Over 50,000 copies will be distributed throughout Scotland via Scottish Agritourism member businesses, from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway. A digital version of the map and guide to Scotland’s agritourism sector can also be found on www.goruralscotland.com along with more information for every business featured on the map.

Agritourism is increasing in popularity with the demand for authentic experiences which visiting real farms can provide. The map includes information encouraging members of the public to act responsibly and be safe in the countryside including keeping dogs on lead around livestock and taking litter home.

Caroline Millar, Scottish Agritourism Sector Lead, also Co-Chair of Scotland’s Agritourism Strategy Implementation Board, said: “We are delighted to launch our 2024 map as we celebrate the end of a very successful Scottish Agritourism month in May. This map will help people plan days out and holidays across Scotland, visiting multiple destinations and drive-up both farm retail and tourism spend in rural Scotland. We look forward to distributing the map throughout Scotland with the help of Scottish Agritourism members in the next few weeks.”

A copy of the new Go Rural map was shared with Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes in Edinburgh this week. Ms Forbes, said: ““It’s fantastic to see so many businesses represented on this year’s Go Rural map. Showcasing Scotland’s agritourism offer plays a huge part in building a sustainable sector that delivers high quality and authentic visitor experiences with agriculture, food and drink at its heart.

“Following the recent announcement that Scotland is set to host the 2026 Global Agritourism Conference, it highlights Scottish agritourism’s ongoing success and enduring appeal”.