The country’s most “fresh farming talent” has received a visit from Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead this week.
Fife couple Douglas and Grace-Ann Bennie became the winners of the Scottish Government’s first ever starter farm tenancy contract earlier this summer, and were “delighted” to finally gain the keys for Balrobert Farm, near Inverness, during the last three weeks.
Settling into life and work at the 120-hectare unit, which includes grazing and cropping land, the Bennies said the tenancy has enabled them to dedicate all their time to farming and to focus on growing their store cattle rearing enterprise.
Whilst Balrobert is the Government’s first starter farm, it is the 10th in Scotland.
There are seven Forestry Commission Scotland starter farms in operation, with a further two units planned, as part of a pilot initiative introduced in January 2012.
Visiting the couple and their three children, Mr Lochhead said: “It is fantastic to come to Balrobert to see the progress the Bennies have already made after becoming tenants a short time ago.
“They’re a great example of the fresh farming talent we are hoping to support,” he added.
Mr Lochhead said each of the 10 starter farms that are under tenancy in Scotland provide welcome opportunities for new entrants, representing a vital part of the industry.
“I wish the Bennies every success in their endeavours here and look forward to seeing them make the most of what is on offer at the Balrobert starter farm,” he added.
Welcoming the Cabinet Secretary, Douglas said he is delighted they are finally “up and running” at Balrobert.
Douglas was raised on a beef and sheep enterprise, where his love of livestock was born.
After leaving school at 16 he attended Elmwood College, in Cupar, where he gained a national certificate in agriculture, before progressing to Auchincruive to specialise in poultry management.
“Grace-Ann and I have been rearing store cattle for the last four years on seasonal land, and having the chance to come here means we can now consolidate and build this business and are able to dedicate all of our time to farming,” he said.
He added that the value of the opportunity was such that “it has the potential to be life-changing for our family.
“It’s great to be here, and we are already relishing the reality of farming at Balrobert.”