MacDonald Farm Provincial Heritage Place

July 8, 2025

Public Announcement from
The Highland Society of New Brunswick at Miramichi

It is with deep regret that the Highland Society of New Brunswick at Miramichi announces that MacDonald Farm Heritage Site will not be operating for the 2025 season due to inadequate funding support from the Provincial Government.

In 2012, at the request of the Provincial Government, the Highland Society entered into a partnership to operate MacDonald Farm after its closure from 2010-2012. A dedicated volunteer committee of Society members was formed to oversee operations. These volunteers have devoted their time, energy and expertise to the site from June 2012 to the present.

From 2012 to 2023, the provincial government provided an operating grant of $60,000. In 2024, recognizing the rising costs of operation – including increases in minimum wage, to the cost of animal feed – the committee formally requested additional funding. While an increased operating grant of $100,000 for 2024 was approved at the 11th hour, the government has reverted back to the original operating grant from 2012.

Despite financial challenges, the committee successfully kept the farm running for 13 years, supplementing the operating grant through revenue from our gift shop, weddings, community events, summer day camps, church picnics and our beloved “Christmas at the Farm”, where guests experienced an authentic 18th-century holiday celebration.

Throughout the years, we proudly hired local students, managers, teamsters and maintenance personnel. Our animals were generously donated each season by local farmers, returning to their home farms at the end of each summer.

We are especially grateful to the many families, schools, churches, community groups and young couples who chose MacDonald Farm over the years for weddings and gatherings. It was a true joy to share our Scottish Heritage and culture with them. While we deeply regret that we can no longer provide this cherished and much – in demand – service, we want it clearly understood – especially by the provincial government – that the loss of a meaningful community venue and cultural experience that so many valued and relied upon is another devastating loss to the Miramichi and its citizens. The connections and memories made here will always be treasured.

Dawn Lamkey MacDonald
President of the Highland Society
of New Brunswick at Miramichi
MacDonald Farm Operating Committee