COLUMNIST: LAURA FRANCES
Pumpkins can be traced as far back as the 15th century, where the Indigenous peoples of Mexico viewed them as an essential part of their diet. They also believed that pumpkin contained healing properties, utilising different parts of the crop to treat a variety of ailments.
Pumpkins were then introduced to England during the 16th century, and became a popular crop due to their ability to be grown and stored easily.
When it came to Halloween, or the Celtic holiday of Samhain, British people initially carved lanterns from turnips. Once it was discovered however, how easily they could be grown and carved, pumpkins became the go-to choice across Britain and America for creating Jack O’Lanterns.
Arnprior Farm is a family-run establishment near Stirling that first opened its doors in 2015 as one of Scotland’s largest pumpkin picking patches. With over 20,000 pumpkins to be picked across three weeks in October, it makes for a fantastic family day out, with other activities available such as an indoor hay barn, face painting, and a polytunnel shop filled with autumnal treats. Arnprior is also home to glamping pods if you want to turn your Halloween experience into an overnight stay.
Located near Fife, Cairnie Fruit Farm offers seasonal picking opportunities, from strawberry picking throughout summer to pumpkin picking in autumn. This year, they are celebrating their 25th year of hosting ‘Pick Your Own Pumpkin’ sessions. If you are looking for something extra spooky, you can also attend their Halloween Torchlight Maze in the days leading up to Halloween, where you have only torchlight to guide you through the six acre labyrinth that is their Mega Maze.
Corrimony Farm offers family-friendly activities in the scenic Scottish Highlands, with stunning views of the Affric Hills. Visitors can choose from a variety of pumpkins of different colours and sizes, alongside enjoying fun activities such as riding on the barrel train or trying their hand at suction archery. Remember to dress for the weather.
Nestled near the picturesque coast of Argyll & Bute, Monty’s Farm Park is home to donkeys, sheep, pigs, alpacas, and ‘heilan coos’. They offer a variety of Halloween activities, including the ‘Day Time Pumpkin & Play’ where children can participate in pumpkin picking and burn off energy in the indoor and outdoor play zones on the farm. They also offer a ‘Pumpkins by Night’ activity, where older children can enjoy a pumpkin carving session under the twinkling lights of the nearby woods and toast marshmallows on the fire.
Perhaps one of the most picturesque backdrops for pumpkin picking, Balgone Estate is located near North Berwick and is overlooked by the Law, an extinct volcanic plug that sits above two lakes. Along with the breathtaking scenery, Balgone is home to Scotland’s largest pumpkin patch with over 60,000 pumpkins in 27 varieties to choose from. Visitors can also walk the Haunted Trail, a 2km walk around the lakes situated at the foot of the cliffs.
Run by founder and fourth-generation farmer John Sinclair, Craigies is a large farm shop near South Queensferry that first opened its doors in 1988. Their yearly Pumpkin Festival takes place throughout October and visitors can enjoy the pumpkin patch and pumpkin bale maze. If you are brave enough, you can also attend the the Pumpkin Festival ‘after dark’ that features a ghost barrel train, or the ‘Haunted Harvest’ for grown-ups who think they can handle a jumpscare. This experience has been designed to test your boundaries - you have been warned!
Ernespie is an award-winning, third-generation family farm in Castle Douglas, opening its doors to the public in 2019 with the goal of creating an educational, sustainable business. From the 12th-30th October, the pumpkin patch will be open to visitors for picking. There will also be pumpkin carving stations and hot food available from the Ernespie Farm Kitchen.
Tucked away in the Earn Valley in Perthshire, Broadslap Fruit Farm sits against the idyllic backdrop of the Ochil Hills, in a region known for its micro-climate and fertile soil. The farm will be running ‘Pick Your Own Pumpkin’ sessions, with pumpkins available during September and October. Broadslap is also home to a Cafe and Farm Shop, and welcomes visitors for seasonal fruit picking throughout the year.
Based in Laurencekirk in North East Scotland, Westerton Farmers is a family-run business that dates as far back as 1920. From breeding award-winning cattle to launching a produce delivery service, Westerton Farm aims to serve their community while prioritising sustainability. Throughout October, Westerton is running ‘Pumpkin Madness’ events that include pumpkin picking, a bale maze, and indoor activities for children.
Valley View, a family-run business located in Clyde Valley, will be running three different Halloween events this year. Families can enjoy the pumpkin picking sessions with carving stations, whilst couples might relish a romantic evening together, picking pumpkins and roasting marshmallows at the ‘Date Night Pumpkin Picking’ event. For thrill seekers, the ‘Death Valley View’ sessions will set hearts racing as visitors journey through haunted paths alongside things that go bump in the night.
Laura Frances is an editorial assistant with Scotland Grows, and a budding, brilliant writer.
You can catch up with Laura's gardening journey at @theebabygardener.
