Wednesday 25th September marked The Prince’s Foundation’s inaugural Countryside Careers Day giving 300 secondary school pupils from Glasgow and Ayrshire an insight into working in Scotland’s rural economy. It was an opportunity for the pupils to appreciate career paths in farming, farriery, agricultural engineering, forestry, engineering, as well as other area.

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “I believe that faced with the fast-paced changes occurring in our workforce, it is absolutely vital that we ensure people, particularly younger people, are given the chance to see first-hand the opportunities available to them and to learn new skills that can only help them succeed in their working life.”

Activities took place on Valentin’s Education Farm on the estate with the event delivered in partnership with the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Ayrshire and Arran as well as more than 20 volunteers.

Arianne Knowles, Food, Farming and Horticulture Manager at Dumfries House, said: "Our first-ever Countryside Careers Day intended to open the eyes of older pupils considering their career options to the vast array of stimulating and interesting jobs on offer within farm and countryside settings. The reaction and engagement of the pupils showed that the hands-on activities really helped bring to life and enhance their understanding of the variety of skills and jobs available.”

Elaine Bryson, RHET Ayrshire and Arran project co-ordinator, said: "Dumfries House estate is the best classroom in the world and all the pupils have had a wonderful opportunity to see a great variety of countryside life.”

Words: Corinna Cunningham

Imagery: Iain Brown