Stirling kids' adventure farm expands with bank support

6th April 2012

Briarlands Farm reopened last week, following the completion of a new custom-built indoor facility, supported by funding from Clydesdale Bank.

The popular visitor attraction, run by the Inglis family and located next to Blairdrummond Safari Park, unveiled its new indoor area in time for the Easter holidays. Supported by a six-figure funding package from Clydesdale Bank’s Stirling Financial Solutions Centre (FSC) the new facility will allow Briarlands Farm to open to visitors all year round.

The funding was provided through Clydesdale Bank’s Investing for Growth strategy, which helps successful businesses grow.

Briarlands Farm has been in the hands of the Inglis family for three generations and remains a mixed-use working farm; growing fruit, raising beef cattle and producing hay for shipment to the Western Isles. In 2006, the family made the decision to diversify in to the tourism industry; selling strawberries from the farm and providing an outdoor children’s play area for children.

Over the years, as the number of visitors has increased, Briarlands Farm has expanded and upgraded its range of attractions to meet demand. Activities now on offer to visiting families include pedal go-karts, jumping pillows, adventure playground and animal paddocks.

Previously, Briarlands Farm only opened to visitors between the months of May and September, but the new 1,800 sq ft indoor facility will allow the business to welcome families throughout the year.

Joanne Inglis, co-owner, with her husband John, of Briarlands Farm said: “We are pleased to be opening our new, improved facilities in time for the start of what we hope is a busy spring and summer. We are sure our indoor area will offer something new to both regular and first time visitors to Briarlands Farm.

“Clydesdale Bank provided the funding which made this expansion possible at the end of last summer and have been with us every step of the way, providing support and advice to help us continually grow and improve the business.

“The Bank was proactive in its response to our request for funding and understood the need for things to be dealt with promptly to allow us to be ready to open in time for Easter.

“Increasing visitor numbers is what brought about the need to upgrade Briarlands Farm, so we hope our improved facilities will result in even more families coming along to enjoy everything we have to offer.”

Opening all year round will also mean Briarlands Farm will provide employment opportunities to the local community throughout the year.

Billy Macleod, managing partner of Clydesdale Bank’s Stirling FSC, said: “It is always good to see funding support which we’ve provided to a local businesses coming to fruition, and we are sure the new facilities at Briarlands Farm will help the business to continue flourishing.

“We pride ourselves on our relationships with the local business community and are pleased to be supporting another Stirling success story in the shape of Briarlands Farm.”