Farm shops are scattered across Aberdeenshire.
What are they good for exactly? Well, the list is ongoing.
Farm shops provide a simple way to support a line-up of local businesses, selling everything from meats to fruit and vegetables and cheeses to baked goods.
As well as this, the time from field to farm shop is usually a lot shorter than to larger shops and chains, so you can rest assured your products will taste fresh – and delicious.
Whether you reside in a shire community or are visiting one in the near future, here are the top farm shops you could stop by during your travels.
Marshall’s Farm Shop
Marshall’s Farm Shop originally opened to the public in October 2010.
But in November 2021, it expanded to include a new state-of-the-art and custom-built retail area and kitchen. This came shortly after the launch of its 81 sqm Fireside Bothy.
The expansion means there’s even more choice and space available to customers, whether they are sitting in or purchasing goods to take away.
Homegrown vegetables, free-range eggs, fresh meat, desserts, and a selection of home-baked bread and cakes are among the offering.
Address: Boghead Farm, A96, Kintore, Inverurie AB51 0XD
Finzean Estate And Farm Shop
At Finzean Farm Shop, the team makes sure to stock a wide range of local food suppliers – a lot of which have been recognised for their products at awards ceremonies.
Home-reared beef, seasonal wild venison and game, locally supplied meat, vegetables and fruit, artisan cheeses, eggs, freshly baked bread, Finzean honey, preserves and ready-made meals are on sale with a wide selection of delicatessen and other food sundries.
Address: Balnaboth Steading, Finzean, Banchory AB31 6PA
Castleton Farm Shop
Anyone visiting Castleton Farm can find out how the team grows their strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and cherries.
There’s also the venue’s popular cafe and conservatory to take advantage of, too.
But that’s not all.
You’ll also find the farm shop where you can choose from a tempting selection of outstanding regional produce, including ready-made meals, award-winning soft fruit, jams, chutneys and vinegars, and more.
Address: Castleton Farm Cottage, Fordoun, Laurencekirk AB30 1JX
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Kemnay Farm Shop
Once you step inside Kemnay Farm Shop, you’ll find it a struggle to narrow down the tasty treats to take away with you.
Everything from sausage rolls, quiches and pies await at the family-run shop, as well as cakes, scones and tray bakes.
Address: 22 Aquithie Road, Kemnay, Inverurie AB51 5SS
Thorneybank Farm Shop
It is a family affair at Thorneybank Farm Shop with all three Stephen generations very much involved with the day-to-day running of the shop, which has been providing fresh, homegrown and local produce since the 1970s.
From field to fork, the vegetables are picked daily.
As for the home bakes available, these are made in house by Catherine Stephen.
Address: Lower Thorneybank, Rothienorman, Inverurie AB51 8XT
Barra Farm Shop & Kitchen
If you’re ever in the area, I cannot urge you to stop by Barra Farm Shop enough.
Open daily, you can get your hands on a wide selection of high-quality Scottish produce, including Barra’s very own fruit which is grown just yards away from the shop.
There’s also delicious fruit ice cream – who could say no to that?
Address: Barra Castle, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie AB51 0BB
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