Purple reigns for lavender farmers and fields in frame

Uniform rows of vibrant purple blooms rolling over a gently sloping hill in Kinross have made Scotland’s largest lavender field pretty as a picture.

The soothing sight on Tarhill Farm has seen a tenfold surge in visitors, as thousands flock to take photos of the glorious purple haze and breathe in the calming scent of lavender post-lockdown.

Stunning images of the three-acre field have cropped up all over social media since the lifting of travel restrictions and have created even more interest in the family-run farm.

“We’ve been surprised by the interest,” said Rory Irwin, 24, who runs Tarhill with his dad Graham, 61, and brother Toby, 21.

“Last year we had about 300 visitors to the farm on an open day. This year we’ve had 4,000. The lavender field has been popular with amateur photographers.

“We’re delighted visitors are also taking an interest in the wider work we do and realising we grow, harvest and distil lavender in Scotland’s testing climate.”

Recent visitors have described the farm as peaceful, calming, a photographer’s dream and “just what the doctor ordered after lockdown”.

The family has put on seven extra free open days to meet the demand and have even had to turn people away to protect the field. “Due to the seasonality

of the lavender, we only have a three-week window to open. Luckily, the lockdown was relaxed just as the lavender bloomed,” added Rory.

“We’ve talked to hundreds of people over the last three weeks and are delighted that for many, this is the first proper trip since the lockdown was relaxed.”

The family is now harvesting several tonnes of lavender blooms by hand.

“We use a sickle to protect the bees and butterflies as this wouldn’t be possible with commercial machine harvesters,” explained Rory.

“It helps them migrate to other wildflowers without destroying their habitat.

“Harvesting the lavender takes just under two weeks. It’s tiring but worth it when you see the levels of biodiversity we achieve.”

The blooms are used to create lavender oil, which is distilled in a copper still on the farm. It is sold as essential oil and in soaps through the family’s Scottish Lavender Oils company.

“We have planning permission to establish a small seasonal shop on the farm but have had to postpone this and move entirely online,” added Rory.

“Luckily our online business has been growing along with our social media following.”

In 2015, the Irwins planted 8,000 lavender blooms to make their farm near the Loch Leven Nature Reserve more sustainable and eco-friendly.

“Visitors have been very complimentary about our work here,” added Rory.

“The sun has been out, so people have been able to relax in the fields between the rows of lavender.”