Common Grains Seedfest: Summer 2026
🌞Common Grains Seedfest Gathering
This day-long event is an opportunity for the Common Grains network to meet, share ideas, collaborate, and plan for the future. Common Grains is Scotland’s non-commodity grain network. It is a movement committed to a just, transparent grain system in Scotland which works with nature, nourishes soil and people, and is delicious.
Common Grains welcomes growers (including farmers, crofters, community and individual growers), millers, bakers, researchers and eaters of grain to envision and work towards a fair, welcoming, regenerative grain future in Scotland. Please note that this day is focused on our grain work. The previous day is focused on our vegetable seed network, the sign-up for which can be found here: https://app.tickettailor.com/events/thegaiafoundation/2278734
We will have a range of workshops and activities throughout the day including:
🥖 Learnings from the European Grain Festival
🚜 'History of Grains' exhibition and farm tour around Lauriston Agroecology Farm
⚙️ Workshops around small-scale machinery rings and grain education outreach
📑 Scottish grain trial planning
🌾 Rye exploration with researcher Laura Valli from US Bread Lab
🧑🌾 Lots of time for chatting, networking and planning with new grain friends!
We are so happy that the Seedfest will take place at Lauriston Agroecology Farm in Edinburgh, a key member of the Scottish grain network! They are doing so many interesting things across both the veg and grain world, saving lots of seed and trialling new agroecological techniques. You will be able to sample the delights of their produce in a lovely lunch provided by members of the Granton Community Garden. 😋
Session Details
*More info coming soon!*
⚙️Logistical Details⚙️
⌚Arrive at 10.30am to settle in, have a cup of tea and a biscuit, orient yourself and mingle meet your grain pals!
🚘Finding the Farm
The address is Lauriston Farm Road, Edinburgh EH4 5EX.
The main entrance is at the back of the Toby Carvery car park.
Buses:
16, 27, 37 and 29 all come very close to the top entrance to the farm – with the stop less than 5 minutes walk from the entrance behind the pub
47 stops near the Market Garden entrance on Cramond Road
We are also near the cycle paths for North Edinburgh. There are places to lock your bike on the farm.
Please use public transport, walk, wheel or cycle to get to the farm whenever possible.
How to find the Market Garden
The Market Garden is next to Cramond Road South. You can come in from the gate on Cramond Road South (on foot or by bike), or walk across the farm from the Toby Carvery car park gate and come in the front gate (please allow around 15 minutes to walk across the farm).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6X6LKTPCrHxuebyB7
https://w3w.co/with.bucket.daisy
Please note the turn into the Market Garden coming downhill on Cramond Road South is a very dangerous blind corner. If you’re on a bike or in a car we recommend continuing 50m round the corner to the roundabout so you can safely turn and approach the entrance on a left hand turn.
Parking
There is no set parking on the farm. The main entrance is at the back of the Toby Carvery car park - please don't use this for your vehicles, it is designated for Toby Carvery customers.
Please use residential roads near the farm to park (being considerate of local residents) and then walk to the site.
If you are travelling by car and would struggle to walk across the farm there is very limited parking at the Market Garden - this is reserved for those who need it as an access requirement - if you need to park at the Market Garden please let us know by email in advance.
🎫Ticketing🎫
We are offering tickets on a sliding scale to ensure that cost isn't a barrier to anyone attending. Please select the ticket type which best describes your situation. Pease only select the amount of tickets you need so we have an accurate idea of numbers and cancel if you no longer wish to attend.
Accessibility
If you are travelling by car and would struggle to walk across the farm there is very limited parking at the Market Garden - this is reserved for those who need it as an access requirement - if you need to park at the Market Garden please let us know by email in advance. Any additional access needs please email.
Vegan and vegetarian food options will be provided. However, let us know if you have food allergies which would restrict your participation.
If you have any questions, get in contact via sinead@gaianet.org
Follow us on Instagram @scotseedsov
Seed Sovereignty Programme info: seedsovereignty.info
Location
Lauriston Agroecology Farm, EH4 5EX