About the Programme
The Women in Farming Residential is a fully subsidised, four-day programme designed for women working in the rural sector who want to build skills, confidence and strategic capability in a supportive residential setting.
Women make up around 35–40% of working farm occupiers and spouses in Scotland yet remain under-represented in leadership roles and face barriers to training access. This is reflected in the Scottish Government’s findings as part of the Women in Agriculture taskforce where less than 50% of the women who respondents agreed that they could access all the knowledge they needed to develop their role on their farms, indicating limited access to relevant training opportunities. This programme responds to those gaps, supporting women with clear interest and capability while strengthening the future agricultural workforce.
The programme takes place at The King’s Foundation headquarters at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, Scotland within the MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre.
The programme will include:
I – Insights into rural industries
N – Networking opportunities
S – Sustainability for mind, body and business.
I – Inspiration from professionals and practitioners.
G – Guidance on development and training needs.
H – Harmony principles of The King’s Foundation
T – Targeting individuals wishing to progress within the rural sector.
S – Skills gap analysis
What we offer:
- Three-night residential accommodation with meals included
- Four days attending workshops
- Eveing activities and experiences
- Visits to local businesses and diversification projects
- Interdisciplinary learning opportunities across our 2,000-acre estate
- Access to our state-of-the-art training byre
- Full PPE provided
Key dates
Course Dates: Monday 16th February – Thursday 19th February
Application Deadlines
Applications close on: Monday 26th January 2026
Interview dates: Week beginning Monday 2nd February 2026
The course will begin on Monday 16th February 2026
How to apply
Apply using our online application form.
Who can take part?
- Applicants should be aged 18
- Individuals with an interest in rural industries who are based in the UK, particularly those individuals looking to grow both themselves and their networks
- Priority will be given to those applicants from across the UK who would find it difficult to travel to Dumfries House on a daily basis.
