Scotland's first-ever pumpkin vending machine has just been unveiled ahead of Halloween. The innovative new service will be available at Arnprior Farm in Stirling with the vending hut allowing visitors to pick up one of the popular orange gourd at any time of the day.
Arnprior, which also offers a pumpkin patch with over 15,000 pumpkins, was one of the first major sites in Scotland to offer the pick-your-own pumpkin service.
Halloween fans will be able to choose from a selection through display lockers, explained farmer Rebecca McEwen.
She said: "We’re so excited about this new addition to the farm. As Scotland’s original pumpkin patch, we are constantly striving to develop new features for our visitors to enjoy, and our vending machine is certainly different.
"The bespoke-designed vending machine can hold more than 25 pumpkins and will enable visitors to pick their own without setting foot in a field. It will also offer those who haven’t managed to secure tickets for the pumpkin patch the chance to visit the farm and pick up a locally-grown pumpkin for their Halloween celebrations."
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Rebecca added that this year's conditions have led to a bumper crop of the fruits which have replaced the traditional turnip as the go to way to make a lantern for Halloween.
"We have a huge array of sizes and colours available," she said. "Including warty green ones, giant Cinderella orange ones and the super popular ghost pumpkins too.
"Myself, Duncan and the whole team are really looking forward to opening the gates for 2022 and seeing what everyone thinks of our newest attraction."
Rebecca and husband Duncan always make a big deal at this time of year, with pumpkin picking not the only thing families are able to enjoy at the farm.
Quad bike rides, potato picking and a bouncy castle are also on offer with food and drink available too making it a fun day out for the family.
“The tattie picking is always a highlight,” Rebecca added. "It’s a chance for the kids to get muddy and learn about where their food comes from too. As you can imagine, they have a whale of a time, just don’t forget to bring their wellies.”
Arnprior Farm is also home to four luxurious glamping pods, complete with their own private hot tubs, and a heated indoor swimming pool.
As well as being packed with pumpkins, the vending machine will also be stocked with extras for Arnprior’s glamping pod guests.
From s’mores to firewood, the machine will provide glampers with 24-hour access to everything they need for a luxuriously cosy stay.
The one-of-a-kind machine will also be filled with locally grown produce, including vegetables and potatoes so that visitors can enjoy some of the farm’s bountiful harvest.
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