A Moray farm welcomed thousands of visitors yesterday for a fundraising open day.
About 3,000 people flocked to Pitgaveny Farm, near Elgin, and enjoyed a day of activities and demonstrations, including archery, crafts and tractor driving.
Hundreds of families also perused the farm machinery and animal displays, including alpacas, sheepdogs, sheep-sheering, classic and modern machinery and farrier demonstrations.
A horse and carriage and a tractor and trailer took visitors down to Loch Spynie and a variety of local food and drinks were on offer in the farmer’s market marquee.
Rebecca Russell, a farming partner at Pitgaveny, said: “I must say it was a really, really good day. It was a really nice atmosphere, it certainly seemed busy and we think there was a bit more than 3,000 people there.
“Luckily, the weather held too, which can make or break this kind of event.”
Money raised at the event will go to the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution, which supports underprivileged people who work in Scottish land-based jobs, and the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative, which helps north-east children and teachers develop a better understanding of farming and the working countryside.
The last fun day event took place in May 2013 and raised more than £9,000 for good causes.
Yesterday’s fun day gave the team at Pitgavney a chance to showcase the farm before it hosts the European ploughing championships in October.
Today, 200 Elgin Academy second year pupils will visit the farm.
Pitgavney Farms manager Martin Birse added: “Open Farms Sunday is a very popular national event, so we were delighted to be involved and open our gates to explain the story behind our food.”