Halloween is nearly upon us which means it's time to get out and start picking some pumpkins ahead of the big day.

Thankfully, although Scotland is more known for its tumshie lanterns, it is home to dozens of pumpkin patches that welcome thousands of visitors every year.

If you're wanting to snag yourself a pumpkin but don't know where to go, here are a few suggestions.

The best pumpkin-picking patches to visit in Scotland before Halloween

Here are some of the best pumpkin patches to visit in Scotland ahead of Halloween.

Heads of Ayr Farm Park

Heads of Ayr Farm Park is hosting one of the largest pumpkin-picking events in the whole of Ayrshire.

Between October 12 and October 27, people of all ages are invited to come along and create some "lasting memories".

Beyond pumpkin picking, there will also be opportunities to get photos taken and play a range of fun games.

Find out more on the Heads of Ayr Farm Park website.

M&D’s Theme Park - Pumpkin Outdoor Festival

Scotland's theme park is once again hosting its very own October festival. The event will have a Halloween-themed games night where everyone is a winner. There will also be a pumpkin trail as well as rides on the Pumpkin Express.

Children under the age of two go for free, making this the perfect spot for young families.

Find out more on the M&D's website.

Arnprior Farm 

Located in Stirling, Arnprior Farm has long been a popular October spot for those in Glasgow and it's easy to see why.

With over 20,000 pumpkins to choose from, a pumpkin cannon and a bouncy castle, the patch is sure to make a great day out for all the family, including your furry friend.

The event will take place for three weeks throughout October. Find out more on the Arnprior Farm website.

Craigie's Farm Deli and Cafe

Craigie's Farm Deli and Cafe near Edinburgh promises a "spook-tacular" day out with a huge line-up of activities, including paintball shooting, a haunted harvest maze and a barrel ghost train.

There will be a regular pumpkin festival as well as one aimed at grown-ups.

Find out more on the Craigie's Farm Deli and Cafe website.

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Cairnie Fruit Farm & Mega Maze

Find out more on the Cairnie Fruit Farm & Mega Maze website.

Cairnie Fruit Farm & Mega Maze in Fife is hosting a P.Y.O pumpkin event between October 12 and October 31. between the hours of 10am and 12:30pm and 1pm and 3:30pm. 

Tickets to the event are non-refundable but visitors can amend the date of their visit if there is availability.

It should be noted that some of these events could sell out and are all available at the time of writing.