Ayr farm hotspot recommended for award
An Ayrshire MSP will ask for a top tourist attraction to be recognised for a national award.
Sharon Dowey MSP has lodged a bid for Heads of Ayr Farm Park to be recognised in the UK National Farm Attraction Awards for their contribution to the Ayrshire tourism industry.
Heads of Ayr Farm Park, formerly a sheep farm, is a tourist hotspot where visitors can interact with more than 80 different animals, including endangered species, and enjoy themed play zones, indoor soft play, jumping pillows, quad bikes, train rides, and more.
Run by the Rankin family, the park attracts around 170,000 people each year, providing a considerable boost to the region and local tourism industry.
A new Heads of Ayr Nursery opened in March 2021 to give a an educational experience for tots, utilising the surrounding landscape and access to the Farm Park to provide nurturing and learning possibilities.
Mrs Dowey, who visited the park last week, said:“It was an excellent opportunity to learn how I can help local tourism flourish and to gain a better understanding of the problems the industry has as it recovers from the pandemic.
“I’ve lodged a motion to recognise the Heads of Ayr Farm Park’s victory in the UK National Farm Attraction Awards for Large Farm Attraction of the Year, as well as their significant contribution to tourism in Ayrshire.
“I’d like to thank Greg Rankin, Director of Heads of Ayr Nursery & Heads of Ayr Farm Park, and everyone else at the park for showing me around their lovely premises.
“If you haven’t made arrangements for the weekend yet, Heads of Ayr Farm Park is a terrific spot. They have so much on offer for all the family.”