Farms across the Highlands will be opening their gates during September and October and welcoming visitors to a series of free 'Gates Open days' for all the family.

Participants will be invited to meet the cows then savour an ice-cream, feed the fish then enjoy some smoked salmon, pat the pigs, taste the bacon and still have time to turn some compost and munch some delicious crunchy carrots.

Georgia Macleod, co-ordinator of the Gates Open project, said: "Over 25 local food producers across the Highlands and Islands have volunteered to hold an open day on their farms, to encourage people to 'think local, buy local', as gates are opened from south of Oban to north of Wick and all points on the map in between."

Every Gates Open day includes a tour of the farm with the producer, to hear their very own local food story. All tours will be followed by a chance the taste the produce, and the opportunity to take some home.  Many of the farms are also organising fun events such as barbecues, children's activities and demonstrations.

Jo Hunt, Leader of Highlands and Islands Local Food Network said: "Behind every food item you buy, there is a farmer or food producer with a great story to tell.  This is a unique chance to meet those people face-to-face and enjoy a family day out on their farm.

"There's such a great range of local food that is now available across the Highlands, and a fantastic bunch of producers that make it - just come and meet them. If you've ever wondered where you food comes from, now is your chance to find out."

Gates Open days are taking place every weekend throughout September and October, across the Highlands and Islands. All the sites are open from 10am to 4pm; they are free, and the whole family is welcome (although dogs may have to stay in the car at some sites).

Gates Open has been part funded by Highland 2007 as part of Scotland's Year of Highland Culture.  Other funding has been secured from Leader+, HIE and The Scottish Co-operative Community Fund.

For a full programme of events and to find the nearest farm open day to you, visit  www.gatesopen.co.uk or call 01381 600525. Highland Food Map leaflets with all details of the events are also available in Highland Council libraries, service points, and at farm shops and farmers markets across the north.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
For more details see www.gatesopen.co.uk

Please contact Georgia Macleod, Gates Open co-odinator for the following
* Gates Open venue map
* Gates Open timetable of events
* Gates Open 'Cloud' logo

Further text describing the events appears on the food map PDF at www.gatesopen.co.uk

List of participating farms and crofts, with dates and locations

SEPTEMBER

Sat 1
Easter Balmungie, Rosemarkie

Wester Ross Fisheries Ltd, nr Ullapool

Sun 2
Lochbroom & Ullapool Growers Group

Sat 8
Wester Hardmuir, Auldearn

Natural Vegetable Company, Torbreck

Sun 9
Wester Hardmuir, Auldearn

Natural Vegetable Company, Torbreck

Food for Thought, Caithness

Sat 15
Connage Highland Dairy, Ardersier

Wester Lawrenceton Dairy & Earthshare, Forres

Sun 16
Barfada Farm, Ardfern, Argyll

Barbreck Farm, Lochgilphead

Bluebell Croft, Strontian, Lochaber

Ardnamushrooms, Strontian, Lochaber

Sat 22
Leckmelm Farm, Loch Broom

Ardanalish Organic Farm, Isle of Mull

Sat 29
3 Eynort, Isle of Skye

Balliefurth Farm, Grantown-on-Spey

Wild Farm, Ballindalloch, Speyside

Sun 30
Wild Farm, Ballindalloch, Speyside

Rubha Phoil, Isle of Skye

Glenfintaig Estate, Stronaba, nr Fort William

OCTOBER

Sat 6
Balnafettach Farm, Cromdale, Speyside

Delfour Hatchery, Alvie Estate, Speyside

Sun 7
Fairburn Estate, nr Muir of Ord

Sat 13
Knockdhu Natural Produce, Lairg, Sutherland

Croft 7, Kirkhill

Sun 14
Knockdhu Natural Produce, Lairg, Sutherland

Barfada Farm, Ardfern, Argyll

Barbreck Farm, Lochgilphead

Sat 20
Leckmelm Farm, Loch Broom

Sun 21
Macleod Organics, Ardersier

Mid Coul Farm (TIO Ltd), Dalcross

NB. Kintaline Plant & Poultry Centre, Sept 8 &9th is no longer taking part in Gates Open but is open to the general public seven days a week.

Highlands and Islands Local Food Network  is an independent group of food consumers, producers and community groups working together to increase access to fresh, locally produced food in communities in all parts of the Highlands and Islands.

Further news releases on individual farm events, will provide on-site photo opportunities. Contacts For more info see www.hilocalfood.net

For further details, contact Georgia Macleod on 07968 629612
or Jo Hunt on 07990 524280
Highland 2007 aims to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and to visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future. The project is a partnership between three principal funding agencies: The Highland Council, the Scottish Executive, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. See www.highland2007.com for full details.

Note to newsdesks:
The Highlands and Islands Enterprise network (HIE) is responsible for economic and community development in an area which covers more than half of Scotland, from Shetland to Argyll.  HIE's headquarters are in Inverness and most of its services are delivered through local enterprise companies. The Network employs around 550 people and last year invested more than £100 million to help people living in the Highlands and Islands realise their full potential.

For further information on HIE, log onto www.hie.co.uk