Creature Comforts
For the perfect escape from fast-paced city life, head into the Angus countryside to meet the friendly menagerie at Balnuith Farm
BALNUITH is home to an incredible array of animals – including several rare breeds – that love nothing more than having visitors. With many breeds of horses, donkeys and alpacas there will be plenty of adorable photo opportunities.
Alison Wiseman has the enviable job of running Balnuith Farm and she is always thrilled to introduce visitors to her posse of friendly animals.
“Balnuith Alpacas is our award-winning family-run, rare breed farm. We welcome visitors to the farm to meet our beautiful animals including miniature donkeys, Falabella horses, giant Poitou donkeys and guanacos.”
Visitors to Balnuith are always thrilled to meet every breed that lives on the farm, but the main attraction has to be the alpaca walks.
On arrival you will be introduced to the herd and meet characters such as Tahiti, Goldilocks, Kiwi and Dazzle – the hard part is choosing which alpaca to walk! Faerie Sienna has an iconic fringe, Kiwi has eyelashes to die for, and Henna is irresistibly cute; whichever alpaca you choose, you will love getting to know their unique personalities!
“When visitors arrive we introduce them to the herd and then we then have some alpaca chat before you
choose your own animal. Then it’s time to enjoy a stroll around the tranquil Angus countryside.”
Around the farm you will also meet characters such as adorable miniature donkeys, Lily and Cupcake or cheeky Falabella horses like Bijou and Cadeau. Also look out for Alison’s loyal canine companions that boast fantastic names such as David Bowowie, Tom Bones and Bark O’bama.
Walking, befriending and petting alpacas is obviously great fun, but you will also get the chance to learn more about this amazing species and the Balnuith herd.
All of Balnuith’s alpacas are 100% Scottish, bred in this idyllic patch of Angus countryside. Alpacas are famed for their wonderful soft fleece, and once a year the Balnuith herd are visited by a travelling Australian shearer who skilfully gives the alpacas their annual haircut.
The fleece is then sent to The Border Mill in the Scottish Borders to be made into the most luxurious wool that Alison is proud to emblazon with the Balnuith name.
“Once the wool arrives back in Angus, I spend many happy hours hand-knitting the lovely gift items to share with my new alpaca lovers. Alpaca wool is a natural, organic product which is more luxurious than cashmere. It is also very warm as the fibres are natural and bond together naturally providing the warmth.
“For those who knit, I sell the wool as balls to be injected with your own creativity!” A trip to Balnuith is fantastic at any time of year, and the ever picturesque Angus countryside provides the perfect backdrop for a stroll with your new alpaca companion.
Alison is an expert on the breeds and her love for each and every one of her animals is clear. She has one final tip for those planning a visit to the farm, “The really exciting time is in the summer when the babies are born – your heart will just melt!”