Opened in 2019, the Heron Farm Shop & Kitchen is a farm diversification on a 125 acre sheep farm near Strathaven, South Lanarkshire. Angus & Emma Smith and their 2 young children farm Scottish Blackface sheep and Highland cattle, ducks and hens, and Christmas trees on the farm. The driving concept of the Heron is ‘field to fork’ – food provenance, seasonality and freshness. The Heron offers a range of fresh, chilled and frozen produce, allowing a full basket shop sourced from local/Scottish producers – so you really can eat local. The offering is varied and includes gifts and Scottish spirits - there is something for everyone.
The Kitchen café serves breakfast, lunch, light snacks, afternoon tea, tea & coffees and home baked cakes (Emma’s favourite thing!). The Heron’s ethos is to use fresh, seasonal produce.
The farm shop and café are housed in a beautifully relaxing oak-framed building; enjoy the views across the surrounding fields from the café or from the outdoor seating area. We love dogs and have 2 secure dog run areas available. Situated near the Ardochrig end of Whitelee Wind Farm, there are beautiful walks nearby and the Heron is also close to the Strathaven / East Kilbride cycling route.
The farm shop is named after the grey heron which lives by the Calder Water, the river which borders the farm on two sides. If you’re lucky you may see the heron at the river’s edge, patiently perusing the local food available to him!