Rural legacy is celebrated
Members of the Scottish Agritourism board have marked the contribution made by chairman Riddell Graham.
Riddell began working in tourism in 1978, first as assistant tourist officer with Scottish Borders Council, then as chief executive of Scottish Borders Tourist Board.
He joined VisitScotland in 2005 as director of partnerships, strategy and communications and latterly as director of industry and destination development.
Riddell led VisitScotland’s input to the Scottish Agritourism strategy, supporting the formation of the Scottish Agritourism Board.
When he retired from VisitScotland in 2022, he joined the Scottish Agritourism Board as its first chairman in May 2022.
Riddell played a pivotal role in developing Scotland’s National Agritourism Strategy in 2021 and has since represented the sector on Scotland’s National Agritourism Strategy Board.
Several priorities have been met and exceeded, with agritourism sector growth increasing by £130 million to £292.9 million last year, and annual agritourism visitor numbers increasing to 2.5 million. Both targets were achieved five years ahead of schedule.
Under Riddell’s leadership, Scottish Agritourism membership has also grown from just over 100 businesses to close to 300.
He said: “I feel very privileged to have been involved in the development of Scottish Agritourism from the start and to have played a part in creating the first ever National Agritourism Strategy.
“In more than 40 years working in tourism, I have never met and enjoyed the company of so many innovative people who are so open to sharing the challenges and successes of running their businesses. That’s what makes this sector so special and an exemplar that others should seek to learn from.”
Fiona Campbell has also concluded a landmark tenure, having served since the board was established in March 2022.
Throughout their service to the organisation, Riddell and Fiona supported the delivery of national conferences, a sector showcase and development programmes, culminating in June’s inaugural Global Agritourism Conference in Aberdeen which brought together over 550 delegates from more than 50 countries.
Riddell added: “The highlight of my time as chairman was the recent conference
“This showcased to delegates from all over the world all that is excellent about Scotland’s rural economy, its food and drink and, above all, its people. I wish the organisation the very best in the future. I am sure it will go from strength to strength.”
Caroline Millar, sector lead for Scottish Agritourism, said: “Without Riddell’s commitment, drive and unique style, Scottish Agritourism would not be where it is today. He leaves a lasting legacy.
“Fiona’s knowledge of policy and running a membership body, together with her enthusiasm for our sector, have also contributed significantly. We are indebted to them both.”
Riddell and Fiona’s final meeting with the board took place at The Bairnkine, near Jedburgh, where host Lucy Tile led a hands-on oatcake workshop.