PUPILS from Dalmellington Primary School joined hundreds of school children from across Ayrshire when they visited Dumfries House for the inaugural Festival of Farming.

It is believed to be the first of its kind in Ayrshire, and is aimed at trying to spark an interest in farming among primary school pupils through a series of interactive workshops.

The children got to sample a range of farming activities including learning how to make butter, taste organic food, learn about farming practices and meet rare animal breeds.

Jacqueline Farrell, director of education at The Prince’s Foundation, said: “Hundreds of school pupils are given the opportunity to visit Valentin’s Education Farm every month to observe and engage with animals whilst enjoying a genuine farm-to-fork experience.

“We decided to host a Festival of Farming to further connect younger generations to the provenance of food and wool, as well as to introduce local teachers to the farm-based education programmes we offer here at Dumfries House on a year-round basis.”

Valentin’s Education Farm, where the festival took place, is located next to a working farm, Home Farm, on the Dumfries House Estate near Cumnock.