Ayrshire and Arran tourism businesses are being encouraged to tap into a growing trend for ‘meet the maker’ style experiences to attract international visitors.

VisitScotland has revealed increased demand from visitors from the USA, France and Germany seeking to immerse themselves in Scottish culture by getting first-hand experience meeting the people and learning about the skills behind the making of it.  

Businesses are adapting to offer hands-on opportunities that include making your own haggis, gin and tartan. They are also providing opportunities to learn Ceilidh dancing, play the bagpipes and view Highland Cows.   

Bellevue Farm, on the Isle of Arran, provides a guided Meet the Farmer Tour and a self-guided Bellevue Farm Experience. They both allow animal feeding of animals such as Highland cows and alpacas.

Ailsa Currie, from Bellevue Farm, said: "Our farm tours give visitors the opportunity to meet the farming family and hear firsthand about life on a traditional island farm.

"Every day on the farm is different depending on the season and we are passionate about letting visitors hear our farm to fork story.

"We pride ourselves on being able to produce happy, high-quality livestock and delight in watching the pleasure our visitors get from interacting with our animals."

Vicki Miller, director of marketing at VisitScotland, said: "Scotland has lots of fantastic visitor experiences that allow those on holiday to really immerse themselves in local culture.

"By offering immersive experiences businesses can attract higher value visitors who will stay longer and spend more.  

"VisitScotland can provide advice to any businesses looking to sell their experience through the travel trade to reach new audiences and markets.  

"Tourism is an important economic driver, benefiting all parts of Scotland but the experience of visiting Scotland provides many other benefits to Scotland and our visitors - not only do we get to share our rich culture, traditions and modern innovations.  

"Visitors leave feeling enriched taking away new information, skills, memories & experiences that are unique to Scotland."