The Roots of “Berry Town”

The story begins in the early 1900s, with Blairgowrie earning the nickname “Berry Town” as Scotland’s soft fruit industry flourished. Neighbouring Angus, along with Fife and Perthshire, quickly became a key growing region. The fertile soil and cool climate create the perfect conditions for berries to ripen slowly, developing a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to beat.

 

A Rite of Passage

For thousands of Scots, the summer holidays weren’t about sandy beaches, but about the berry fields. Families, especially children, would head out to earn money, often enough to buy school uniforms or treats. During World War II, this ritual became a vital contribution to the war effort, as pupils from all over Scotland were sent to help with the harvest. One of the many dedicated people who helped shape the industry was Mrs Campbell, who spent over 50 years of her life working in the Angus berry industry. Her long-standing commitment is a testament to the community and enduring legacy of the fields.

 

Community and Camaraderie

The fields were more than just a workplace; they were a community hub. In the 1900s, a settlement called Tin City was built near Blairgowrie to house up to 1,500 seasonal pickers. This wasn’t just a camp; it was a community complete with dormitories, hot meals, and even a piano. For the Scottish Traveller community, the berry fields became an important meeting place, a place to share stories, reinforce their language, and strengthen cultural bonds through shared work.

As one seasonal worker recalled, “You’d be up at dawn, hands stained red by lunchtime, and singing by the fire at night. It was a rhythm we lived by.”