Dundee cider firm to expand apple orchard on city outskirts as production ramped up

Thousands of additional apple trees are being planted near Dundee to ramp up the production of cider. Lost Orchards Cider is expanding its orchards at East Adamston Farm, near Muirhead.

The company, founded by farmer Andrew Husband and business partner Angus Morrison, uses Scottish-grown and pressed apples rather than imported concentrate.

Its Pure Apple Cider won gold at the International Cider Awards before the brand had officially launched.

Lost Orchards produced more than 180 tonnes of apples last year, with yields growing as the orchards mature. Replanting thousands of apple trees is part of a long-term plan to bring commercial orchard growing to Scotland.

Mr Morrison believes Scotland’s ability to produce cider continues to be overlooked.

“If Japan can make some of the world’s best award-winning whisky, then there is no reason why Scotland can’t make world-class cider in the traditional way,” he said.

“For too long, people have assumed great cider only comes from places like Somerset, but we believe Scotland, particularly with changing weather patterns, is a sleeping giant of cider production which is just awakening.

“We grow beautiful fruit here, we have the expertise, and we have already proved that our cider can win on the international stage.

“We’re growing apples in Scotland, pressing them here, and making cider from our orchards and through our other contracted growers, while others import concentrate and put a Scottish label on it.

“Consumers increasingly care about provenance and traceability. They want to know where things come from, who made them and what they are supporting when they buy them.

“There is a real appetite for products that are independent, transparent and genuinely rooted in Scotland.”

Fourth-generation farmer Mr Husband has been growing apples at East Adamston Farm since 2012. He was inspired to produce traditional cider after watching his 80-year-old father press apples for juice on an old wooden press.

The company’s range includes Pure Apple, Scottish Dark Berries, Scottish Red Berries & Lime and a low-alcohol Pure Apple cider, with all products naturally gluten-free.

David Hay is one of the company’s founders. He grows some of the fruit for cider production from his farm in Easter Rhynd.

He said:

“Planting orchards is not a quick return.

“It takes time, patience and belief.

“But Scotland has the potential to grow excellent fruit at commercial scale, and we want to help bring that industry back.”

Mr Morrison added:

“We want genuine traditional cider to become part of modern Scottish food and drink culture: something people are proud to drink, stock and serve.”

This article appeared in the Courier on 6 July 2026