Our education team at the MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre here on Dumfries House Estate have fantastic and unique workshops to offer secondary pupils aged 14+. Working with our team in our state-of-the-art teaching facility, pupils will be introduced to a range of farming skills and knowledge through hands-on and close-up practice. Don’t worry…we provide the wellies! Workshops which are currently available can be found below.
Our school education workshops support the delivery of The Curriculum For Excellence, and many of our activities are based outdoors on our 2,000-acre estate, making use of our natural spaces to inspire learning. The King’s Foundation works in harmony with the natural world, and as such our workshops also touch upon the UN Sustainable Development goals and support learning for sustainability.
The Business of Farming – Full Day Workshop
Can you identify stakeholders who have interest and influence in agribusiness? In this session we’ll build a toolkit of business management techniques including primary business analysis, SWOT, how to scope the external and internal environment, sources of finance, basic budgeting techniques and finding the appropriate software to match legislative requirements and your business needs.
Lens on the Land: A Farming and Photography Experience – Full Day Workshop
A creative workshop for SQA NPA or Higher photography students. Discover the real world of farming through your lens in this immersive photography workshop. Explore our working farm and rural skills centre, capturing the textures, tones, and stories of agricultural life—from moving machinery to quiet moments with animals and landscapes. Ideal for portfolio work or project inspiration, with the option to return for focused follow-up sessions.
Words for the Land: English Through Agriculture and Rural Life – Half Day Workshop
Explore the beauty and complexity of rural Scotland through a real-world farm visit. A workshop blending language skills with hands-on agricultural experiences to inspire powerful discussions and writing. This workshop runs from 10am until 12pm , or from 12pm until 2pm, whichever suits you better. Please contact us to confirm your preferred timings after making your booking.
Practical Farming: Animal Husbandry – Full Day Workshop
In this workshop, pupils will be able to engage in a hands-on, unique learning experience in our state-of-the-art education facility at The MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre, here on Dumfries House Estate. Pupils will be introduced to animal husbandry and will learn how to care for livestock. Pupils will work with our livestock to gain an insight into some of the skills and knowledge required for farming, in our education byre, with the unique experience of placing animals through a modern livestock handling system.
Fields of Expression – Full Day Workshop
In this session, young artists are invited to explore the beauty of rural life through a creative lens. Led by local artists, this hands-on workshop blends artwork and expression with a guided farm tour. Students will discover inspiration in our livestock sheds and in our fields, capturing scenes from the working farm in their own unique artistic style. A perfect fusion of art and agriculture—encouraging observation, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the countryside.
If you require any further information on our Rural Skills workshops before booking, please contact us at farm.education@kings-foundation.org
