Thistle Awards 2025 Shortlist: Solsgirth Home Farm – Best Community Tourism & Events in Central Scotland

Dawn Dawson
Jul 21
3 min read

We’re thrilled to announce that Solsgirth Home Farm, based in Clackmannanshire, has been shortlisted for a 2025 VisitScotland Thistle Award in the category of Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative for Central and East Scotland.

This nomination recognises the incredible work of our small team, local collaborators, and extended community, all of whom help bring our rural vision to life. As part of the growing Scottish Agritourism movement, this shortlisting affirms our commitment to people, place, and sustainable tourism in this diverse and vibrant region.

Hands-on farm experience for kids with Jan Dixon and a lamb at Solsgirth

Community-Led Agritourism in the Heart of Central Scotland

Located in the rural heart of Central Scotland, just a short drive from Stirling, Solsgirth Home Farm spans 360 acres of farmland, woodland and walking trails. Since our founding in 2022, we’ve focused on offering meaningful visitor experiences that connect people with land, heritage, and community.

Throughout 2024 and early 2025, we’ve:

Welcomed over 1,000 visitors monthly to our farmers’ markets, featuring more than 60 local stallholders
Delivered over 55 events, including educational farm tours, hands-on workshops, and seasonal community celebrations.
Partnered with RHET to host 500+ schoolchildren from across Forth Valley and Perth & Kinross
Provided inclusive tours through our collaboration with Home-Start, supporting families who need connection and respite

Our nomination in the Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative category reflects the impact of this work, not just in terms of visitor numbers, but in how we engage, uplift, and listen to the people around us.

Interactive learning with RHET: child meeting a chick on a school farm trip

Strengthening Rural Community and Local Economies

One of our core goals is to support rural resilience and the local economy. We prioritise Scottish suppliers, with over 70% of our products sourced locally. We work closely with local people to run our events, ensuring they reflect and support the wider community.

This shortlisting is a testament to the vibrancy of community-led tourism, and to the strength of regional businesses working together for shared success in Central and East Scotland.

You can explore upcoming events or learn more about our markets and workshops.

A Sustainable Future, Rooted in Place

Solsgirth Home Farm is built around sustainability, both environmental and social. We practice regenerative farming, plant native species to support biodiversity, and are active supporters of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust.

We’re working toward Green Tourism certification and have begun carbon monitoring as part of a longer-term climate action plan.

Accessibility is central to our offering, with free event access, improved pathways, diverse food options, and an accessibility guide in development. We're proud to be working with Go Rural and Discover Clackmannanshire to showcase the very best of this region to locals and visitors alike.

Explore our accommodation options to plan a stay that combines rural relaxation with immersive experiences.

Farmhouse retreat at Solsgirth with summer wildflowers in the foreground

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this recognition, we also look to the future. Bookings are secured into 2026, new stay-and-learn packages are launching soon, and our outreach with schools and youth groups continues to grow.

We’re honoured to be among those recognised in the 2025 VisitScotland Thistle Awards. Whatever happens next, this nomination affirms what we’ve always believed: that hard work, community, and care for the land are at the heart of great tourism.

Thank you to everyone who supports us - from local visitors to returning guests, schools, volunteers, and stallholders.

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