Byres Farm, an established agritourism venture located near Fochabers, has announced the acquisition of the apple pressing facility from Elgin’s Orchard, a business founded in Elgin in 2017. This strategic move is set to broaden Byres Farm’s educational initiatives and enhance its offering of authentic farming experiences.
Roy and Val Matheson, who established Elgin’s Orchard nine years ago by planting approximately 3,000 apple trees at Kirkhill, just outside Elgin, have sold the pressing operation as they prepare for retirement. While the apple pressing company transitions to new ownership, the Mathesons will retain ownership of the orchard itself.
Helen and Bill Smith, the proprietors of Byres Farm, expressed their enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting its alignment with their mission to provide immersive agricultural education. Byres Farm, a mixed arable and livestock farm on the banks of the River Spey, is known for enabling visitors to witness firsthand the operations of a working farm.
Helen Smith stated: “We are all about education at Byres Farm and this is the next part of our journey. We are passionate about educating through experience and having the apple pressing on site means that people will be able to come and watch the process and see how the juice is made.” She added, “It’s really exciting for us. People will be able to see the whole process, from pressing to bottling, and there will be the opportunity to have their own apples pressed too.”
The Smiths were approached by Roy Matheson regarding the sale and “jumped at the chance,” according to Helen. “He has built up an amazing brand, his ethos aligns with ours and we are looking forward to being able to continue his legacy,” she commented.
Byres Farm, which welcomed visitors to connect with the land and learn about food production, sees the apple pressing as a natural extension of its existing activities. Bill Smith lauded the Mathesons’ achievements, noting, “From a farming perspective, we find Roy and Val inspirational, what they have done and achieved over the years is exceptional. They are the type of people who don’t rest on their laurels, or sit on their hands, and that’s how I hope we operate too.”
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The acquisition marks a significant expansion for Byres Farm, which was recently recognised as a finalist for the Most Promising Enterprise Award at the Moray Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in December 2025.
Bill Smith concluded: “Entrusting us with Elgin’s Orchard is a huge honour and we look forward to being able to start pressing and sharing the process with our customers.”
A celebratory festival is planned to officially launch the new operation.
