Latest news with #RoyalHighlandEducationTrust
The Courier
4 days ago
- General
- The Courier
More food and farming day fun for kids in Fife and Kinross-shire
Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) food and farming days have been a big hit with youngsters across Scotland this spring. The aim is to give every child in Scotland the chance to learn about food, farming and the countryside. RHET says this will create a better understanding of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of rural Scotland. Recent events in Perth & Kinross and Fife saw hundreds of primary school pupils enjoying a day on the farm. There were nearly 200 getting some valuable hands-on learning experience at Tillyochie Farm near Kinross. Local schools taking part included Arngask, Fossoway, Portmoak, Kinross, Milnathort, Goodlyburn, and Cleish. RHET's Perth & Kinross team, supported by host farmers the Smith family, delivered sessions on topics including soil health, livestock care, food production and biodiversity. The event also had the support of 21 volunteers, including people from the local community, as well as representatives from organisations such as Quality Meat Scotland and the Kilted Christmas Tree Company. RHET Perth & Kinross project co-ordinator Tara Clark said: 'These kinds of experiences leave a lasting impression on pupils. 'They help children form early connections with where their food comes from and the people who produce it – something that's more relevant than ever these days.' Portmoak Primary School pupil Sylvie said: 'The trip made me feel happy because I got to find out a bit about cows.' Tanvi said she 'learned lots of new facts about animals', while Gaia said: 'Now I know how pine trees grow. It was a great experience.' Meanwhile, Jacob said he was particularly impressed by the hens, adding: 'Not even the strongest man in the world could break an egg with two fingers.' Sophia and Mimi loved seeing the 'cute' sheep and their lambs, while Phoebe was amazed to find out horses need groomed at 5am every day. The farm's Clydesdale horses found a new friend in Duncan, while the sheepdogs were a big hit with Sam. Meanwhile, there were 135 younsgsters from three Fife primaries – Canmore and St Leonards RC in Dunfermline and Dalgety Bay – at a RHET food and farming day at Droverhall Farm, Crossgates, Hosted by the Adam and Collier families and supported by a wide range of people and organisations,the educational sessions at Droverhall covered topics including beekeeping, vegetables, farm machinery, sheep shearing, beef cattle and cereals.
The Courier
10-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
Calf born during '10 out of 10' farm visit by pupils from Fife high school
The Whiteford family of Hilltarvit Mains, Fife, opened their farm to 270 Bell Baxter High School pupils to give them an insight into beef production. The educational farm tour, held over two days, was arranged by Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Fife Countryside Initiative. It focused on cattle-raising from birth to market. Lucy Whiteford, of Hilltarvit Mains, near Cupar, said: 'The high welfare standards, traceability, care, time and hard work that goes into producing the best beef is not always fully comprehended. 'It is so important for children to understand where their beef comes from, so they can make an informed decision about whether they choose to eat it – or not.' Bell Baxter High depute head Brian Harris agreed, adding: 'The pupils had a great experience. 'They were within touching distance of the cattle and one group was lucky enough to see a calf being born, then take it's first steps.' Thanking hosts John and Lucy Whiteford, Mr Harris said: 'How well they care for their animals was clear throughout the two-day visit. We hope their passion for animal welfare, while producing a sustainable, quality product, will inspire some of our young people to consider a career in farming.' But what did the pupils think? We asked two of them, Liam Barr and Brogan Smith. Liam said: 'My family have a farm, so I knew what I was going to see. It was good seeing how other people look after their cattle.' Brogan Smith gave the visit 'eight out of 10 but only because the bus journey'. He added: 'The farm part was 10 out of 10. I learned a lot about how well the farmer takes care of the cattle throughout their lives. They told us about what the cattle get to eat and how they plan for the whole year. 'When I get meat from the shops, It'll make me think about where it comes from.' RHET project co-ordinator Carole Brunton said: It's crucial young people receive factual information about the food they consume, and understand the importance of eating locally sourced products.' Launched in 1999, RHET works with volunteers to provide free educational and experiential learning opportunities linked to the Curriculum for Excellence.
The Courier
06-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
120 kids learn about farming life on Highland Perthshire outing
More than 120 excited primary school pupils from across Highland Perthshire learned about farming practices on a day out at Findynate Estate near Aberfeldy. The event was organised by the Perth and Kinross branch of the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET). Hosted by Matthiji and Marion Geerdink, the day gave young learners a hands-on opportunity to explore Scotland's countryside and understand more about estate life,. They were also able to try their hand at a range of traditional country skills. 9 'interactive stations' covered wide range of farming and rural life topics at Highland Perthshire event There were engaging and educational activities across nine 'interactive stations'. One of these was focused on agricultural hardware, with the primary five pupils all having the chance to explore some of the big machines that keep farms running. Another was devoted to sheep and wool. Fun day out at Findynate Estate. Image: Royal Highland Education Trust Perth & Kinross The children also got to find out about pig farming, responsible angling and the links between field and fork. Other topics included forestry, moorlands and, courtesy of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, local wildlife and conservation. A cooking demonstration during the kids's day out. Image: Royal Highland Education Trust Perth & Kinross Meanwhile, a rifle range gave the youngsters a supervised introduction to countryside sports. Kinloch Rannoch Primary School teacher Leanne Cusack said: 'It was a great day out for the children. 'It gave them hands-on experience with things we can't recreate as well in school.' Strange-looking deer at Findynate Estate. Image: Royal Highland Education Trust Perth & Kinross Immersive experience The immersive experience wouldn't have been possible without the support of dedicated volunteers and contributors. Ballintaggart, of Grandtully, provided lunches for the volunteers, ensuring they were well-fuelled throughout the busy day. The children loved learning more about nature. Image: Royal Highland Education Trust Perth & Kinross What is the Royal Highland Education Trust? RHET aims to bring the working countryside and its practices closer to young people across Scotland. Through farm visits, classroom talks, and estate days like the one at Findynate Estate, the charity helps connect the next generation with the land as well as rural industries that are vital to Scotland's heritage and future. It connects more than 70,000 children and young people a year with farmers, creating a wider understanding of the environmental, economic, and social realities of Scottish rural life.
