Balfour Stewart of Bankrugg Farm in Gifford will represent East Lothian at the inaugural Global Agritourism Conference, taking place in Aberdeen from 23–25 June.
Hosted by Scottish Agritourism, this landmark international event will bring together farmers, food and drink producers, tourism businesses and policymakers from around the world to explore the future of agritourism, farm retail and the wider rural economy. As the first global conference of its kind to be held in Scotland, it presents a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s leadership in rural enterprise and food tourism.
Balfour will attend the conference as an East Lothian ambassador, highlighting his farm and agritourism business, The Bus Stop, and the strength of the region’s rural economy. The Bus Stop is a successful example of agritourism diversification, offering visitor accommodation in creatively converted buses alongside distinctive rural experiences that attract visitors and support the local economy.
His participation reflects the growing importance of agritourism in East Lothian and the role it plays in driving sustainable economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the area’s reputation as a food and rural tourism destination.
East Lothian Council continues to support agritourism projects across the region through business support, advice and partnership working, helping rural enterprises innovate, diversify and thrive. Agritourism is identified as a key visitor economy growth sector in the East Lothian Local Economy Strategy 2024-2034. The Council is proud to see local businesses represented on a global stage and contributing to the future of Scotland’s agritourism sector.
Watch the video below to hear Balfour talk about his business and his experience of agritourism.
Find out more about The Bus Stop at Bankrugg Farm
