Kitchen Coos and Ewes offers Highland cow experiences where visitors can see Highland cows and Beltex sheep in a natural, farm environment in southwest Scotland. The tours are designed to help visitors get close to the Highland cattle from the safety and comfort of a purpose-built trailer, on a farmer-led Highland cow safari. Visitors also can book a Cream Tea Coo tour which involves a tour of the animals followed by a sheepdog demonstration and a cream tea with the hosts.
Neale and Janet McQuistin run Kitchen Coos and Ewes from Airyolland Farm where they have gradually introduced a less intensive and more sustainable farming system that is perfectly suited to Scotland’s southern uplands. In response to a decade of farming policy changes and environmental concerns, Kitchen Coos and Ewes is a diversification from the original faming business owned by the couple. Highland cows now graze the hills, and the grazing action of these beautiful native cattle supports natural wildlife on the farm. The farm also stocks one of the UK’s newest breeds of sheep, Beltex, and they make very efficient use of the grass that grows in the in-bye fields. The mix of ancient and modern breeds ensures that all parts of the farm are being used to the best effect.
The farm is situated in the Dumfries and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere which is internationally recognised as a world class environment for people and nature. The UNESCO Biosphere designation recognizes the fantastic array of landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage and learning opportunities that southwest Scotland offers to communities, businesses and visitors to experience in a sustainable way. Kitchen Coos and Ewes is proud to be part of this initiative and are committed to working with other businesses to achieve shared aims and ambitions for that part of the country. The farm, the livestock and the environmental measures carried out fit well with the aims of the Biosphere.
The couple recognise that providing tourism experiences, although new to them, is essential to supporting the local community. Encouraging tourism to rural Scotland is one of the aims of the New Luce Community Trust and Kitchen Coos and Ewes play a key role in this. Every visit supports rural skills and the couple work hard to provide free school visits to Stranraer Academy Rural Skills classes, giving students the chance to connect with their local food and farming heritage. The tours take in the Bronze Age history of the area and educate visitors on dry-stone walling and traditional farmhouse baking.
The business operates environmentally and sustainably and ensures that the land and surrounding wildlife is positively impacted by the work undertaken. The company’s environmental policies effect decisions made on the farm, how farm tours are operated and how visitor experiences are planned. Owing to these high standards, the couple tries to use renewable energy wherever possible. In addition to this, the couple sources food locally, reduces its fuel and materials consumption, and seeks to repurpose waste items before their disposal. Kitchen Coos and Ewes encourages its visitors to be environmentally mindful by offering e-tickets to the site and by always taking steps to improve the site’s environmental performance.