After battling challenging weather conditions for two consecutive years, a dedicated young farmer from Kinross is finally witnessing his golden vision come to life. Fraser Turnbull, who operates Fruix Farm, nestled between Kinross and Kelty, is now joyfully extending an invitation to the public to explore his vibrant fields and partake in a unique pick-your-own sunflower experience.
Fraser’s journey to cultivate this radiant spectacle has been one of perseverance. For the past two seasons, his ambitious plans to open the family farm for sunflower picking events were unfortunately derailed by uncooperative Scottish weather. In 2023, despite significant setbacks, a portion of his tenacious crop managed to thrive, allowing him to offer a limited harvest at the bustling Kinross Farmers’ Market, a small victory against the elements. However, 2024 proved to be an even tougher year, with the climate utterly defeating his efforts and resulting in a complete loss of the much-anticipated flowers. Triumph Over Adversity in the Perthshire Landscape
Undeterred by previous disappointments, Fraser, at just 22 years old, bravely re-sowed his sunflower seeds this spring. His optimism was once again tested when, mere weeks ago, severe conditions brought by Storm Floris threatened to decimate his burgeoning crop. Yet, through sheer determination and a stroke of natural luck, the sunflowers experienced a remarkable growth surge in recent weeks, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking sea of yellow and green.
Expressing his profound relief and excitement, Fraser shared, “Last year the crop flopped because of the bad weather, and just a few weeks ago I thought I’d have the same situation this year. However, in the last couple of weeks, the sunflowers have really come on, and I’m delighted that I can finally go ahead with the pick-your-own events. It’s been a long time in the works. I’m excited to finally give people the chance to come visit the farm and spend some time outdoors.” This sentiment resonates deeply with anyone familiar with the unpredictable Scottish climate, making his success all the more commendable. An Idyllic Outing for Families and Nature Lovers
Located conveniently just west of the M90’s Junction 5, Fruix Farm is now poised to become a cherished local destination for families and individuals seeking a picturesque outdoor adventure. The events, scheduled to commence this week and run over the next fortnight, offer a perfect opportunity to embrace the dwindling summer days amidst the glorious Perthshire countryside.
Each session, lasting approximately two hours, is designed to provide visitors with ample time to leisurely stroll through the towering sunflower fields, immerse themselves in nature, and hand-pick their favourite blooms. The experience is more than just harvesting flowers; it’s an invitation to connect with the agricultural rhythms of Kinross-shire, enjoy the fresh air, and create lasting memories against a stunning natural backdrop.
Fraser envisions these events as a true community affair. He encourages guests to bring their own packed lunches and enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the scenic farm surroundings. For those desiring a little extra, a small tuck shop will also be on hand, offering treats and refreshments to complement the day out.
Reflecting on the inaugural opening, Fraser remarked, “This will be the first time I’ve held these events, so it’s a test really. Each event will last around two hours and will give visitors a chance to walk about the fields and pick their own sunflowers. I want to see if there’s interest in doing it again in the future. It’s a great opportunity to get out in nature while the weather is still nice and enjoy the fabulous view of the surrounding area with the sunflowers.” His forward-looking approach highlights the potential for this venture to become a regular fixture in the local calendar.
“It’s a learning experience for me, but fingers crossed it’s something people are keen to do,” he added, demonstrating his modest hopes for this exciting new chapter at Fruix Farm. Planning Your Visit to the Sunflower Fields
For those eager to experience this unique local offering, entry to the two-hour events is priced at £5 per person, plus any applicable booking fees. It is essential to book tickets in advance through the designated online platform, as spaces are expected to fill quickly. Sessions are planned for 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm across the upcoming weeks, providing flexible options for visitors. For the latest updates and any changes to the schedule, prospective attendees are advised to check the official social media channels for Fruix Fields. This new venture not only brings a splash of colour to the Kinross landscape but also offers a heartwarming tale of a young farmer’s determination flourishing into a wonderful opportunity for the entire community of Perth and Kinross to enjoy.
Fraser’s journey to cultivate this radiant spectacle has been one of perseverance. For the past two seasons, his ambitious plans to open the family farm for sunflower picking events were unfortunately derailed by uncooperative Scottish weather. In 2023, despite significant setbacks, a portion of his tenacious crop managed to thrive, allowing him to offer a limited harvest at the bustling Kinross Farmers’ Market, a small victory against the elements. However, 2024 proved to be an even tougher year, with the climate utterly defeating his efforts and resulting in a complete loss of the much-anticipated flowers. Triumph Over Adversity in the Perthshire Landscape
Undeterred by previous disappointments, Fraser, at just 22 years old, bravely re-sowed his sunflower seeds this spring. His optimism was once again tested when, mere weeks ago, severe conditions brought by Storm Floris threatened to decimate his burgeoning crop. Yet, through sheer determination and a stroke of natural luck, the sunflowers experienced a remarkable growth surge in recent weeks, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking sea of yellow and green.
Expressing his profound relief and excitement, Fraser shared, “Last year the crop flopped because of the bad weather, and just a few weeks ago I thought I’d have the same situation this year. However, in the last couple of weeks, the sunflowers have really come on, and I’m delighted that I can finally go ahead with the pick-your-own events. It’s been a long time in the works. I’m excited to finally give people the chance to come visit the farm and spend some time outdoors.” This sentiment resonates deeply with anyone familiar with the unpredictable Scottish climate, making his success all the more commendable. An Idyllic Outing for Families and Nature Lovers
Located conveniently just west of the M90’s Junction 5, Fruix Farm is now poised to become a cherished local destination for families and individuals seeking a picturesque outdoor adventure. The events, scheduled to commence this week and run over the next fortnight, offer a perfect opportunity to embrace the dwindling summer days amidst the glorious Perthshire countryside.
Each session, lasting approximately two hours, is designed to provide visitors with ample time to leisurely stroll through the towering sunflower fields, immerse themselves in nature, and hand-pick their favourite blooms. The experience is more than just harvesting flowers; it’s an invitation to connect with the agricultural rhythms of Kinross-shire, enjoy the fresh air, and create lasting memories against a stunning natural backdrop.
Fraser envisions these events as a true community affair. He encourages guests to bring their own packed lunches and enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the scenic farm surroundings. For those desiring a little extra, a small tuck shop will also be on hand, offering treats and refreshments to complement the day out.
Reflecting on the inaugural opening, Fraser remarked, “This will be the first time I’ve held these events, so it’s a test really. Each event will last around two hours and will give visitors a chance to walk about the fields and pick their own sunflowers. I want to see if there’s interest in doing it again in the future. It’s a great opportunity to get out in nature while the weather is still nice and enjoy the fabulous view of the surrounding area with the sunflowers.” His forward-looking approach highlights the potential for this venture to become a regular fixture in the local calendar.
“It’s a learning experience for me, but fingers crossed it’s something people are keen to do,” he added, demonstrating his modest hopes for this exciting new chapter at Fruix Farm. Planning Your Visit to the Sunflower Fields
For those eager to experience this unique local offering, entry to the two-hour events is priced at £5 per person, plus any applicable booking fees. It is essential to book tickets in advance through the designated online platform, as spaces are expected to fill quickly. Sessions are planned for 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm across the upcoming weeks, providing flexible options for visitors. For the latest updates and any changes to the schedule, prospective attendees are advised to check the official social media channels for Fruix Fields. This new venture not only brings a splash of colour to the Kinross landscape but also offers a heartwarming tale of a young farmer’s determination flourishing into a wonderful opportunity for the entire community of Perth and Kinross to enjoy.