Gates Open

Throughout weekends in September and October 2007, a new initiative from HILFN took place where the public were invited through the ‘open gates’ of 26 farms, crofts and food producers from all over the Highlands.

Visitors were able to take a tour and hear the farmer’s story; witness the processes involved and ask questions about how it all works; learn a bit about the produce and how it is grown, achieved and distributed. There were opportunities to taste the products via samplings and BBQs and of course, a chance to purchase some to take home for tea! Many places offered ‘hands-on’ experiences for the visitors – a chance to grade and pack eggs, feed animals, try willow weaving – and there were demonstrations, children’s quizzes and activities and generally a fun, family atmosphere throughout.

Despite the threat of Foot & Mouth Disease plus some fairly inclement weather, our research shows that almost 1500 people attended the first Gates Open events, many of whom made purchases, signed up for box schemes or placed regular orders at their local farm. We received a lot of positive feedback from visitors who seemed genuinely interested to know more about where their food comes from and what food purchasing alternatives are available to them on their doorsteps.

Despite the threat of Foot & Mouth Disease plus some fairly inclement weather, the level of interest amongst visitors was high with many buying products, signing up for box schemes, placing regular orders and enjoying finding out about where their food comes from and what food purchasing alternatives are available to them on their doorsteps.

With 25,000 Highland Food Maps distributed far and wide, plus 1000 posters and lots of local and national press, there was excellent awareness of the project and those producers involved have benefited from this exposure and free publicity for their produce and services.

Well done to all of those who took the plunge last year and opened their gates – it was clearly a lot of hard work (at least those ‘some other time’ jobs were forced to the top of the priority list!) but we hope you felt it was worth it. 

So, what next for Gates Open?  Regrettably, the project will not be running in 2008, due to a shake-up and change of policy and timescale with our funders.  Whilst this is disappointing, it gives us even more time to plan for the gates being 're-opened' in 2009 when we hope to build on the success, interest and enthusiasm generated by last year's events.

If any farms and producers are holding their own open days this year, we'd love to hear from you so we can pass on details to our members.  Email Georgia on info@hilocalfood.net.