Lidl is calling on Scots to ‘jack in’ the pumpkins this Halloween as it prepares to open what it says is Scotland’s first-ever neep-picking patch.
‘The Lidl Neep Patch’ is putting the humble turnip/swede on a pedestal to revive the dwindling tradition of carving tumshie lanterns.
Longstanding Lidl supplier, Stewarts of Tayside, grows 50 million neeps every year and is harvesting a special crop for Lidl’s pop-up patch at Chatelherault Country Park.
The pop-up will include an on-site ‘Tumshie Tent’ with an expert team on hand to hollow out guests’ lanterns alongside an arty area for kids to get crafty before venturing out on the ‘Tattie Bogle Trail’.
The ‘Lidl Neepers’ play area will offer old-fashioned games including a Neep Shy, Neeps & Crosses, and Bowling with Neeps, as well as a straw bale chute.
Hungry neep pickers can then refuel at the ‘Stovies Stop’ while toe-tapping to the tune of Scottish folk musicians.
Marco Ivone, Lidl’s regional director for Scotland, said: “Lidl has long been a champion of great-quality Scottish produce and neeps are no different – in fact, we’ve worked with our long-standing supplier, Stewarts of Tayside, for over 25 years.
“This year, we’ll give the humble neep the stage it so deserves and celebrate the fading art of tumshie lantern carving, while giving Scots a one-of-a-kind day out that’s rooted in tradition.”
Tickets are available now from Eventbrite, priced at £5. There is no charge for under-11s. All proceeds will be donated to the STV Children’s Appeal.
Sessions will run in the morning and afternoon from Saturday 12 to Monday 14 October.
