Convention on local food production in Sutherland to be hosted in Ardgay
The question of whether Sutherland can produce more of its own food will take centre stage at a special convention in Ardgay next week.
As part of the Highlands and Islands Climate Festival, the Convention on Local Food Production will be held in Ardgay Hall on Thursday, October 2, from 10am until 2pm.
The event, hosted by the Kyle Feeds Project at the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust in partnership with Planet Sutherland, will bring together farmers, crofters, food producers, community groups and residents to discuss how local food production might be expanded and made more accessible across the county.
Organisers say the day will provide “lively discussions, networking opportunities, some positive outcomes and good food” as well as a chance for those with an interest in food resilience to meet directly with producers.
Among the guest speakers is Donna Gillies, who with her husband Donald runs The Hirsel on Kincardine Hill, Ardgay.
Their small farm has become a model of mixed local production – Hebridean sheep for meat and wool, chickens, pigs, bees, and a growing orchard of heritage apple varieties. The family sell direct to their customers and have become strong supporters of community ventures such as the Ardgay Larder, the Kyle Riverwoods auction, and the Ardgay Community Market.
Donna will reflect on how supplying food and fibre to neighbours has become a passion, as well as a business.
Cara Cameron, founder and chief executive of Lochview Rural Training, will add another Sutherland voice.
Her social enterprise, based in the heart of the county, aims to give people confidence in rural skills while promoting mental health and wellbeing. Food is central to its programmes – from teaching how to grow vegetables at low cost, to using veg boxes effectively, to cooking and eating together.
Cara’s focus is on making food fun and accessible, while showing how small-scale production can change lives.
Moya Macdonald, trustee and secretary of the Highland Good Food Partnership, will take a broader view.
The partnership works across the Highlands to bring together communities, crofters, farmers, food businesses and public bodies. Its goal is to build a resilient, regenerative and fair food system.
Moya will outline some of the initiatives already under way and explain how Sutherland fits into that bigger picture.
Kate Heightman, Scotland & outreach manager for The European Nature Trust (TENT), brings a background in rural resource management, conservation and education.
She now manages partnerships at Alladale Wilderness Reserve, where she focuses on community engagement and education.
Kate will discuss how investing in nature supports food production, arguing that healthy ecosystems underpin everything from clean water to nutritious food.
The programme will be chaired by Miranda Jones, Kyle Feeds project manager, who said the aim was to spark practical ideas.
“We are looking forward to lively discussions, networking opportunities, some positive outcomes and good food,” she explains. “We invite anyone interested in local food production to join us in Ardgay on October 2”
The convention is free to attend, with lunch and refreshments provided.