Cairnie Fruit Farm near Cupar in Fife is expecting more than 18,500 visitors to its pick-your-own pumpkin patch this year, as the event celebrates 27 years of operation. The farm grows around 20,000 pumpkins annually and has become one of Scotland's most popular destinations for autumn pumpkin picking.
From American childhood to Scottish farm
The tradition began when California-born Cameron Laird, who married Scottish farmer John Laird, wanted to bring a slice of American culture to her new home. Growing up in California, Cameron was surrounded by pumpkin patch events and has vivid memories of visiting farms near Half Moon Bay.
Speaking to the BBC, Cameron recalled: "I have such fond memories. I grew up in California and over the hills from us to a place called Half Moon Bay, there must have been 10 or 15 pumpkin farms."
"You would drive along and just choose one and then there were pumpkins as far as your eye could see. It was a very vivid part of my childhood and I thought, 'oh, we should do this. We're on a farm, and let's give it a go'."
Growth and future expansion
Despite having no previous farming experience, Cameron joined the family business after presenting the idea to John. The first year of the pick-your-own event started with just over 200 pumpkins, but it has since expanded to around 20,000.
The family plans to extend the patch by a further acre, which would create space for another 5,000 pumpkins. The farm is currently predicting more than 18,500 visitors this year, which would push annual pick-your-own visits above 105,000.
Autumn tradition and social media appeal
The pumpkin patch has also become popular on social media as a place for autumnal photos. Cameron noted that visitors arrive in cosy autumn clothing, with some young Scots coming to the Cupar field "all decked out in white hats and leather boots" to take pictures for their accounts.
Cairnie Fruit Farm's pick-your-own pumpkin event runs until November 1, with tickets still available for morning and afternoon sessions. Passes cost £1.50, with under threes going free. More information can be found on the Cairnie Fruit Farm's website.
