A farming lineage in Blairgowrie is once again opening its fields to the public, transforming what was once a commercial venture into a vibrant community initiative. For the fourth consecutive year, the Thomson family is inviting residents to partake in a unique ‘pick your own’ experience, with all proceeds dedicated to local charitable organisations and community groups across Perth and Kinross.
Since shifting away from large-scale fruit cultivation in 2022, the Thomson family has found a new purpose for their blueberry fields. Rather than abandoning the established crop, they chose to repurpose it as a source of direct benefit for their neighbours. This innovative approach ensures that the abundance of blueberries continues to serve the community, fostering a spirit of generosity and local support. A Legacy Transformed: From Commercial Farming to Community Giving
The Thomson family’s roots in soft fruit farming run deep, spanning over a century in the Blairgowrie region, a part of the vibrant agricultural landscape of Perth and Kinross. Historically, their fields yielded raspberries, strawberries, and other popular fruits, contributing significantly to the area’s reputation. However, evolving market dynamics, including escalating operational costs and a surge in foreign imports, rendered traditional commercial cultivation increasingly challenging and, ultimately, unprofitable.
This led Peter and Melanie Thomson to make the difficult decision to cease large-scale fruit production. Their focus has since pivoted to cherry trees, a new chapter in their farming story. Yet, the blueberry bushes remained a valuable, albeit no longer commercially viable, asset. The idea to repurpose these fields for community gain was born from a desire to prevent waste and give back to the region that has been their home for generations. Witnessing the fields filled with enthusiastic pickers, knowing the direct impact on local initiatives, has become a source of immense satisfaction for the family. Impactful Harvest: Boosting Local Charities Across Perthshire
The ‘pick your own’ blueberry sessions are more than just an opportunity to gather fresh fruit; they are a powerful fundraising platform. This year marks the largest participation yet, with an impressive 74 local groups and charities slated to benefit. These organisations span a wide spectrum of community needs, including vital mental health charities, youth development programmes, local sports clubs nurturing young talent, educational institutions, and various community-led projects designed to enhance local life.
Over the past three years, this remarkable initiative has collectively raised a staggering £50,000 for these diverse local causes. Each group is allocated specific mornings or afternoons to manage the picking, and it is their volunteers who then retain the funds from the blueberries harvested during their designated time slots. This direct-benefit model empowers each participating organisation, allowing them to channel resources directly into their impactful work within Perth and Kinross.
The picking days are scheduled to commence on August 29 and will continue through late October, subject to the availability of fruit. The fields will be accessible daily from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays, offering ample opportunity for participation. Weekend sessions will run from 10 am to 4 pm. This flexible schedule encourages broad community engagement, welcoming individuals, families, and even well-behaved dogs to enjoy the outdoor activity while contributing to a worthy cause.
The atmosphere in the fields is consistently described as a joyous and collaborative one, highlighting the best of local community spirit. As Melanie Thomson eloquently puts it, “It really brings out the best in people.” The family’s deep connection to Blairgowrie means that the welfare and progress of the local community remain paramount to their efforts. The fields, situated at Ashgrove Mill, just on the outskirts of Blairgowrie, offer a picturesque and accessible location for this heart-warming annual event.
This initiative stands as a testament to the power of community and the resourcefulness of individuals dedicated to making a positive difference right here in Perth and Kinross. It’s a true win-win: fresh, local blueberries for participants, and vital funds for the organisations that strengthen the fabric of our local area.
Since shifting away from large-scale fruit cultivation in 2022, the Thomson family has found a new purpose for their blueberry fields. Rather than abandoning the established crop, they chose to repurpose it as a source of direct benefit for their neighbours. This innovative approach ensures that the abundance of blueberries continues to serve the community, fostering a spirit of generosity and local support. A Legacy Transformed: From Commercial Farming to Community Giving
The Thomson family’s roots in soft fruit farming run deep, spanning over a century in the Blairgowrie region, a part of the vibrant agricultural landscape of Perth and Kinross. Historically, their fields yielded raspberries, strawberries, and other popular fruits, contributing significantly to the area’s reputation. However, evolving market dynamics, including escalating operational costs and a surge in foreign imports, rendered traditional commercial cultivation increasingly challenging and, ultimately, unprofitable.
This led Peter and Melanie Thomson to make the difficult decision to cease large-scale fruit production. Their focus has since pivoted to cherry trees, a new chapter in their farming story. Yet, the blueberry bushes remained a valuable, albeit no longer commercially viable, asset. The idea to repurpose these fields for community gain was born from a desire to prevent waste and give back to the region that has been their home for generations. Witnessing the fields filled with enthusiastic pickers, knowing the direct impact on local initiatives, has become a source of immense satisfaction for the family. Impactful Harvest: Boosting Local Charities Across Perthshire
The ‘pick your own’ blueberry sessions are more than just an opportunity to gather fresh fruit; they are a powerful fundraising platform. This year marks the largest participation yet, with an impressive 74 local groups and charities slated to benefit. These organisations span a wide spectrum of community needs, including vital mental health charities, youth development programmes, local sports clubs nurturing young talent, educational institutions, and various community-led projects designed to enhance local life.
Over the past three years, this remarkable initiative has collectively raised a staggering £50,000 for these diverse local causes. Each group is allocated specific mornings or afternoons to manage the picking, and it is their volunteers who then retain the funds from the blueberries harvested during their designated time slots. This direct-benefit model empowers each participating organisation, allowing them to channel resources directly into their impactful work within Perth and Kinross.
The picking days are scheduled to commence on August 29 and will continue through late October, subject to the availability of fruit. The fields will be accessible daily from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays, offering ample opportunity for participation. Weekend sessions will run from 10 am to 4 pm. This flexible schedule encourages broad community engagement, welcoming individuals, families, and even well-behaved dogs to enjoy the outdoor activity while contributing to a worthy cause.
The atmosphere in the fields is consistently described as a joyous and collaborative one, highlighting the best of local community spirit. As Melanie Thomson eloquently puts it, “It really brings out the best in people.” The family’s deep connection to Blairgowrie means that the welfare and progress of the local community remain paramount to their efforts. The fields, situated at Ashgrove Mill, just on the outskirts of Blairgowrie, offer a picturesque and accessible location for this heart-warming annual event.
This initiative stands as a testament to the power of community and the resourcefulness of individuals dedicated to making a positive difference right here in Perth and Kinross. It’s a true win-win: fresh, local blueberries for participants, and vital funds for the organisations that strengthen the fabric of our local area.