Byres Farm expands educational offering

A farm which believes in educating people through the experiences it offers is expanding and will launch its new offering with a celebratory festival. 

Byres Farm is taking on the pressing and production side of the Elgin’s Orchard brand with the equipment being relocated from the orchard in Elgin to the Fochabers-based farm.

Roy and Val Matheson who launched Elgin’s Orchard in 2017, have decided to sell the facility so they can enjoy retirement, although the orchard itself will remain under their ownership. 

Helen and Bill Smith who work Byres said they are delighted to be able to offer another new experience of farming to their customers.

Helen said: “We are all about education at Byres Farm and this is the next part of our journey. We are passionate about educating through experience and having the apple pressing on site means that people will be able to come and watch the process and see how the juice is made. It’s really exciting for us. People will be able to see the whole process, from pressing to bottling and there will be the opportunity to have their own apples pressed too.

“When Roy approached us to ask if we would be interested, we jumped at the chance. He has built up an amazing brand, his ethos aligns with ours and we are looking forward to being able to continue his legacy.”

Helen added: “Byres Farm is designed to provide people with a real glimpse into the inner workings of a busy farm, providing an opportunity to connect with the land and learn about food production, and the apple pressing is the next part of that.”

Bill added: “From a farming perspective, we find Roy and Val inspirational, what they have done and achieved over the years is exceptional. They are the type of people who don’t rest on their laurels, or sit on their hands, and that’s how I hope we operate too. Entrusting us with Elgin’s Orchard is a huge honour and we look forward to being able to start pressing and sharing the process with our customers.”

Elgin’s Orchard was founded in 2017 when Roy Matheson planted around 3000 apple trees at Kirkhill, just outside Elgin. There are 14 different varieties, and the juice is now sold in almost 30 shops, cafes and restaurants across Moray and beyond. 

Speaking of the business deal, Roy (81) said: “Now is the time for us to hand over the pressing side of the orchard, so that we can take some time ourselves. There are ways that Elgin’s Orchard can be developed further, but that’s just not possible for us now. It’s a very positive step that Helen and Bill are taking it on. They have done great things at Byres Farm and they are the right people to take the business forward. 

“From a production point of view, the apples will still be sourced from the orchard, with the production now just down the road at Byres Farm and open for the public to enjoy.” 

Pressing of the apples at Byres Farm will begin in mid-September in line with the first harvest.

Helen and Bill who have two children, Marshall (13) and Louisa (11) will launch with an apple festival where people can enjoy different activities and print their own labels. 

Helen said: “I am excited and little bit terrified at the same time. Elgin’s Orchard established very successful community days where people can bring their own apples to be pressed and they will absolutely continue with us.

“The autumn when we will run lots of different activities to celebrate the harvest and pressing will be an exciting time on the farm and we look forward to welcoming our customers to enjoy a range of activities.” 

Byres Farm was first opened to the public in 2019 and now welcomes hundreds of visitors to the 400-acre site every year.

It hosts ‘Muddy Meet-Up’ sessions for pre-school children and is open every weekend for the public, with extended days throughout school holidays.