Thousands of people visited a normally quiet Moray farm yesterday to meet piglets, drive tractors and enjoy old-fashioned rides in a horse-drawn carriage.
Pitgaveny Farm, which occupies a secluded spot in countryside east of Elgin, became a hive of activity during its biennial open day event.
Organisers estimated more than 3,000 people flocked to the rural spot to celebrate the region’s agriculture.
Rebecca Russell, who co-owns Pitgaveny with her brother Crinan, said she was overwhelmed by how successful the day had proved.
She added: “There has been a really nice atmosphere, and with so much to do, some families made a day of it.
“A farm isn’t a place that people can normally just walk around and explore, it’s a working environment.
“So it is great to be able to offer these experiences, like driving a tractor, which people might otherwise never have.
“This has been our fifth open day and I am keen to have another one in 2019.”
People enjoyed trips in a tractor trailer to Loch Spynie, a distance of 1.5 miles from Pitgaveny, where they learned about the pigs bred there.
Meanwhile, a model cow allowed youngsters to get a feel for milking the animals as they drew milk from its plastic udders into a bucket.
Inverurie horseman, George Skinner, brought along his four-year-old gelding, named Crusader, to demonstrate harnessing techniques.
Afterwards, Crusader posed patiently as dozens of youngsters lined up to have their picture taken with him.
Mr Skinner said: “I’ve been here before and this is the busiest I have ever seen the open day with families.
“Crusader is good with people, and I enjoy sharing what we do with folk from outwith farming.”
