Californian brings pumpkin-picking tradition to Scottish farm

Summarised from BBC Edinburgh East And Fife's report · Updated 25 Oct, 00:02 · Archive

An American woman introduced pumpkin-picking to her husband's Fife farm 28 years ago, transforming it into a major Scottish attraction.

Cameron Laird, an American, introduced pumpkin-picking to her husband John's farm near Cupar in Fife almost three decades ago. John's family farm had previously offered pick-your-own experiences focusing on Scottish produce such as strawberries and brambles. Cameron, inspired by her California childhood where dozens of pumpkin farms lined the roads near Half Moon Bay, suggested the move as an experimental way to boost income and bring a treasured tradition to Scotland.

Cairnie Fruit Farm now grows 20,000 pumpkins every year and welcomes thousands of visitors from across Scotland and beyond. The farm's success reflects a wider boom in pumpkin patches, with many Scottish farmers now diversifying into visitor 'experiences' that draw crowds during autumn after other crops are harvested. Farmers are experimenting with different sizes, colours and types of pumpkin to attract visitors.

Read the report

• The Californian whose pumpkin patch dream took root in FifeAmerican Cameron Laird introduced pumpkin-picking to her husband John's farm 28 years ago.BBC Edinburgh East And Fife · 24 Oct, 23:26

In this story: Cameron Laird · John Laird · Cairnie Fruit Farm · Fife · California · Half Moon Bay · Scotland

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