The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Perth & Kinross Food & Farming Day took place last week. Storm Hector caused the event to have to be moved at the last minute from Highland Safaris to Breadalbane Academy due to the risk involved with holding a marquee-based event in high winds.

There were still six great interactive, hands on activity stations for pupils from Highland Perthshire to investigate.  The Forestry Commission was on hand to educate pupils about wood production and the safety issues involved.  Andrew Scarlett of Scarletts educated pupils about honey production and the importance of bees.  John Marshall, RHET’s ‘Potato Professor’ taught pupils about how potatoes are grown and harvested and Quality Meat Scotland’s had an informative set about red meat production in Scotland and the health benefits of eating red meat.  RHET volunteers were also on hand to educate pupils about arable and dairy farming and RHET’s own fibreglass cow Daisy was available for pupils to milk.

Breadalbane teacher Mrs Grant said “Thanks for a great day.  The activities were well organised, interactive and fascinating.”

The event was funded by The Basil Death Fund.  One of their main objectives is to support charities educating children in the Highland Perthshire Area.

Alix Ritchie, RHET Perth & Kinross Co-ordinator, said:  “We are grateful to Breadalbane Academy for hosting the event at such short notice; allowing it to go ahead.  Food and farming days provide a wonderful learning experience to help educate children about where the food they eat comes from.  We are grateful to the Basil Death Fund for providing the funds to make this event possible.”