This is the life for me! I have been around the world and know that I belong back in Scotland farming my own sheep and cattle.
Our family farm is called Unthank,a steep, scenic hill farm, and dates back to the turbulent time of Robert the Bruce. It lies near the head of Ewes valley, the ancient hill pass between Dumfriesshire and the Scottish Borders, not far from Langholm. Reivers would thunder by on their way to steal cattle from the English – much has changed since then but not the sheep and cattle or the way we rear them.
We build the health of our flock on the time-honoured partnership between shepherd and collie dog. The herding of sheep over their natural territory may take time and effort but it makes the most of a natural foraging instinct and minimises on medicines and additional feed.
Our cattle spend their time either getting fit on the hill, which makes for a better texture or relaxing down by the riverside feeding on the lush pasture. A true life of contentment – come and see for yourself!
How I like to eat it best: There’s nothing more satisfying than roasting my own beef Forerib and presenting it in all it’s splendour, savouring the mouth-watering smell as I carve then secretly feasting on the scraps next day.