The Scottish Smallholding & Countryside Festival 2026

Get hands-on at the Scottish Smallholder Festival!

Join the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) for a fantastic day of practical advice, expert insights and hands-on learning to help you get the most out of your smallholding or croft.

From regenerative grazing and pollinator-friendly spaces to keeping healthy livestock, our packed programme features expert talks, practical workshops and demonstrations, with the FAS team on hand to answer your questions.

Visit us at our stand in the Highland Hall and explore our Livestock Sessions held in the SRUC Theatre area (restaurant).

Take a look at the schedule below and book your places early to avoid missing out!

Get your Festival tickets: https://festival.scot/entrance-tickets/

FAS LIVESTOCK SESSIONS   –    SRUC Theatre (Restaurant)

10:00–11:00             Regenerative grazing — what’s the buzz?

Discover how regenerative grazing principles can work on your own smallholding. Alex Pirie from Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service will share practical ideas to help you make the most of your land.

11:00–12:00               Lambing Lifesavers

Join the Farm Advisory Service and SRUC vets for a practical introduction to lambing equipment, lamb presentations at birth, common complications and essential lamb first aid.

You will have the chance to practise these skills yourself using demonstration models — no live animals involved.

Please note: Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. This educational session is for adults; hands-on participation is not available for children.

Don’t miss out – book your place for this session here: https://festival.scot/product/lambing-session-1/

12:00–13:00             Making the Most of Messy Edges and Scruffy Bits

Those untidy corners could be full of potential! Explore bracken management with the Farm Advisory Service, followed by practical advice on replanting for pollinators with Lorraine Johnston, SRUC Bee Adviser.

13:00–14:00             Getting Started with Goats or Cattle
Choose one of two sessions – please book in advance

Healthy Goats

Thinking of adding goats to your enterprise? Whether you’re a first-timer or already have experience with other livestock, learn how to select healthy animals, understand their needs and keep your herd in good condition.

We will cover housing, hoof care, routine treatments, vaccinations, health testing and disease prevention — helping you avoid bringing home more trouble than you bargained for!

Book the goat session: https://festival.scot/product/goat-mot/

OR

Contented Cows

Donna Mackenzie from the Farm Advisory Service and SRUC Vets will guide you through the essentials of getting started.

Discover different breeds, key cattle terminology, feeding, health and welfare, safe handling, and the facilities and infrastructure you’ll need.

Book the cattle session: https://festival.scot/product/cattle/

14:00–15:00            Starting out with Healthy Sheep

Please book in advance

Whether you are new to sheep or an experienced livestock keeper looking to expand, SRUC vets and SAC advisers will help you understand what it takes to choose the right stock and keep your flock healthy.

Explore breed selection, sheep terminology, feeding and grazing, handling, essential equipment and year-round flock management — with practical advice on preventing disease and anticipating your animals’ needs.

Book your place: https://festival.scot/product/sheep-group-1/

15:00–16:00            Lambing Lifesavers

Missed the morning session? Here’s another chance!

Join the Farm Advisory Service and SRUC vets for a practical introduction to lambing equipment, lamb presentations at birth, common complications and essential lamb first aid.

You will have the chance to practise these skills yourself using demonstration models — no live animals involved.

Please note: Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. This educational session is for adults; hands-on participation is not available for children.

Don’t miss out – book your place for this session here: https://festival.scot/product/lambing-lifesavers-a-practical-guide-session-2/

Make the most of your day!

Whether you are just starting out or looking to build on your experience, come along for practical tips, expert advice and ideas you can put into action on your own smallholding or croft.

Book your Festival entry and reserve your place at the practical sessions — we look forward to seeing you there!