Dalguise Tea, Perthshire

Richard Ross

Dalguise Tea is a small plantation on the edge of Highland Perthshire, sitting on the slopes above the picturesque Tay Valley. Originally planted in the autumn of 2015 as a way to add diversity to a traditional small farm, we’re currently replanting and reshaping the plantation as we learn more about the specific conditions and requirements of the site. It’s all part of the journey of growing tea in Scotland. 

Richard Ross, the plantation owner, was inspired to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather. Alexander ‘Mac’ McLaren grew up on a farm around 40 miles from Dalguise and became a tea planter in Sri Lanka when it was still known as Ceylon. The tea garden at Dalguise was planted almost exactly 100 years after Mac travelled half way round the world to nurture the same crop.

Children’s author Beatrix Potter used to spend her childhood summers in Dalguise, and talks in her diary of visiting the farm where the tea garden now stands. One diary entry describes eating freshly baked scones by the fire – accompanied no doubt by a refreshing cup of tea.

As well as growing tea at Dalguise, Richard also organises illustrated talks and tea events, telling audiences about Scotland’s long connection with tea, and how Scots have grown and developed tea in iconic tea regions around the world.