AN AGRI-TOURISM business is set to fly the flag for the Wee County at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards, less than a year after introducing accommodation.

Solsgirth Home Farm has been shortlisted in the awards scheme which seeks to champion innovation, collaboration and sustainability in the tourism sector.

The agri-tourism business, set in beautiful rural Clackmannanshire near Dollar, has been named in the Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay category in the Central and East region.

With an ethos of ensuring everything works full circle in harmony with nature and the environment, the 360-acre operation is focused on diversity and resilience while also offering learning experiences, community spaces and accommodation since the start of this year.

While business partners Jan Dixon and Leigh Grainger took on the former dairy farm just before Covid hit, they only just introduced short stay opportunities at the start of 2024, meaning the nomination came as a pleasant surprise.

Jan told the Advertiser: “We are very happy being nominated because it is only our first year out there and obviously thrilled that someone put us forward for the award.”

The nomination is for the estate’s large farmhouse, and Jan added: “It is in a beautiful location and has a substantial history having being built in 1760.

"It has been completely renovated to a high standard and makes an ideal holiday home for guests.

“The positioning of the house is perfect, it looks out over the pond so throughout the day you can see the various birds who use it as their habitat.

"You don’t actually see the farm yard, so you don’t necessarily feel like you are in the middle of the farm.”

Tours of this historic farm are available for anyone keen to visit and families can interact with a variety of animals.

Jan, Leigh and their team look after a mix of livestock as well as big birds.

They also have 260 acres of grassland where they are gradually introducing herbal leys and are encouraging a more diverse mix of plants.

There are also two orchards, while work is ongoing to restore and replant boundary hedges, creating more habitats and shelter.

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The winners of this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards will be revealed at a Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa ceremony in Edinburgh on September 26.

The same week, the farm will welcome some 400 children as they visit with the Royal Highland Education Trust to learn more about Farm to Fork.

Visit solsgirthhomefarm.co.uk for more information about the farm.