Barbara Girvan

Mum to 3, wife to 1, farming in the heart of Glenurquhart, Inverness-shire. Growing Pumpkins and Cut Flowers alongside our herd of Stabiliser cattle.

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

@vaderbogger @SoilEssentials @AgXeed @PWatkinsLtd You putting one on your santa list? I was at the conference today and we were looking on the app following the machine. Pretty cool to think you could be sat somewhere totally different but still getting the work done.

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

Didn't think I'd see a more difficult growing year than 2023 for Pumpkins. With no rain in the 2 months over planting. But harvest was excellent that year. Then we had 2024. The worst yet, and it was unexpected. That's what makes it worse! Pic for nostalgia!

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

It's that time again. Nice to have the weather to suit. #shearing

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

Is there anything better than cooking your own beef as supper with this view after completing the Celtman Solo point five. I don't think so. DG - continuing to inspire the next generation with his athleticism. An awesome weekend!

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

@ClynelishFarm Hope it's better soon Vic! Life forcing you to have a rest.

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

Nice to host some farmers from Norfolk today. Lots of interesting discussion and even some networking with fellow Pumpkin growers! A good kick up the a**e to tidy. Maybe we can find some time to arrange a visit to see their area.

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

@EdinvaleFarm What are they planting?

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

@ClynelishFarm I had heard a few mutterings of this when the National Park was on the agenda. Housing seems to be a really big challenge In highland, even outwith NP. Could be a good plan, especially for short term workers. Would need to be ringfenced for crucial services for sure.

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

The tree huggers mother decided she wasn't ready for motherhood. Pet number 1.

[Sam Taylor @staylorish]

Patrick Harvie refuses to accept that the Cass Report is a valid piece of scientific research.

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

First new season strawberries I've seen in the shops, in the Co-op this morning. Bought them because they're British....but my heart says their still out of season really. Taste will be the deciding factor as to whether it really is too early to be buying strawberries.

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

I've reached the age where my phone reel is full of flowers and photos of permission slips sent home from school, because paper is still a thing, you know. The delivery service on the permission slips could be more reliable.

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

Subscription flowers 2024 are go! Feel quite relieved not to have suffered from Tulip Fire this year after seeing so many other growers having to bin crops with only a few weeks til harvest #grownnotflown #favouriteflower #tulips

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

@EdinvaleFarm The answer might be dependent on the retailer. Customer base is different in each. Is it possible to cater for all? Price is a key factor for most families. Not all. I would guess price and convenience come before anything else for the consumer.

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

@CasMillar @MairiGougeon Another consultation going under the radar. How much difference will this new policy really make, given that practically no new build housing estates use stoves. Only impacts properly rural residents who will be forced to rely on electricity. Bonkers!

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

@EdinvaleFarm The figures are explicit for carbon footprint, laying 96% at the farm gate, but the carbon capture is not presented in figures. Do you know why? Just interested. Hope the travel is going well!

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

@vaderbogger I'm not sure. Apparently they're good in an air fryer. Wouldn't imagine they would keep til next year in that way though...

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

It was a privilege to meet The Princess Royal at the official opening of the RAVIC today. Flowers not expected, but nice to be able to! A good topic of conversation. The only two photos we took.

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

First fresh ones of 2024. It's only the beginning. A nice slow, start. Could do with more really. #cutflowers #grownnotflown

[Barbara Girvan @BarbaraGirvan]

And we're off. Seasonal flowers are here, bringing colourful joy to your kitchen table. Someone should let the weather know it's meant to be spring...work attire would suggest otherwise. #seasonalflowers #slowflowers #sustainable #flowerfarm