Monty’s Farm Park at Ardardan Estate introduce Highland Cow experience

About the business

Set on the banks of the River Clyde, Ardardan Estate boasts a tearoom, farm and gift shop, deli and plant nursery, as well as Monty’s Farm Park, which opened its indoor and outdoor play areas to the public at the end of 2020.   

The family-run business, headed by May and Grant Montgomery alongside their daughters Sara and Sue, initially began in 1996, when May and Grant discovered the land in a state of disrepair. With a background in farming, having run Brown Egg Farm in Inchinnan for over 20 years, the pair saw a great opportunity to bring the estate back to life.  

The family now employs 70 locals who share their passion and farm experience with visitors form the local community and from further afield.  

How Business Gateway has helped

Determined to continuously improve, while keeping food, farming and family at the heart of their business, the family have worked with Business Gateway over the last few years to help improve their product offering.  

Through Business Gateway, the family has received one-to-one guidance from a dedicated business adviser and have also been signposted to various funding opportunities.  

The family accessed a grant which funded a new oven and coffee machine, which allowed them to open a coffee kiosk to serve more customers at different locations on the large estate.  

Recently, via Business Gateway, the business benefited from a Small Business Development Grant, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which went towards equipment to introduce seasonal events, including a silent disco.  

The family now has plans to create a Highland Cow experience, which will allow visitors to feed, brush, pet and take photos with the iconic Scottish animals at Monty’s Farm. The experience is set to open in August.  

Sue Aikman, Director of Ardardan Estate, said: “Our strong heritage lies at the heart of our estate, but we’re always on the lookout to introduce new products and services, so are really excited to be introducing a Highland Cow experience.  

“Business Gateway has been a great source of support over the last few years, and we’re very grateful to have been able to benefit from their expertise.”