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PICTURES: Dornoch farmers' first ever pumpkin patch is a 'huge success'





A SUTHERLAND farming couple have opened up a ‘pumpkin patch’ to the public in what is thought to be a first for the area.

Rob and Emma Smith, of Davochfin Farm, near Dornoch, have grown pumpkins this year for the first time ever – and they have produced a bumper crop.

Farmers Rob and Emma Smith with their children Evalyn (7) and Angus (5). The family have their sights set on a “bigger and better” pumpkin patch next year.
Farmers Rob and Emma Smith with their children Evalyn (7) and Angus (5). The family have their sights set on a “bigger and better” pumpkin patch next year.

The couple moved to Davochfin two years ago with their two young children, Evalyn (7) and Angus (5).

Emma said: “We started growing pumpkins as someone said we wouldn’t be able to grow them so far north! We decided to give it a go and grew over 200 on our first try. It’s been a great success so far.”

Unfortunately their first pumpkin picking session last Saturday had to be cancelled as Storm Babet caused havoc throughout the country, leading to the cancellation of a number of events in Sutherland.

However, Sunday’s picking session was able to go ahead as planned.

Emma said the family already had their sights set on growing a “bigger and better” pumpkin patch next year.

“We are always keen to try new things, and the pumpkins seem to work for us, with it coming into our quieter season on the farm,” she said.

Joe, Ruby (3) and Molly (2) Kawea from Tain in their cute matching pumpkin hats.
Joe, Ruby (3) and Molly (2) Kawea from Tain in their cute matching pumpkin hats.
The pumpkin patch opened on Sunday for the first time.
The pumpkin patch opened on Sunday for the first time.
Evalyn and Angus, right, enjoyed helping their parents prepare the pumpkin patch with lots of fun activities.
Evalyn and Angus, right, enjoyed helping their parents prepare the pumpkin patch with lots of fun activities.
Stephanie Wood and her daughter Emilia, of Dornoch.
Stephanie Wood and her daughter Emilia, of Dornoch.
A scarecrow added to the atmosphere.
A scarecrow added to the atmosphere.
The Smiths have grown more than 200 pumpkins.
The Smiths have grown more than 200 pumpkins.

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