By Hugh Boag
Glenkiln Farm has been shortlisted in the Scottish Agriculture Awards 2023 for its work in diversification.
Glenkiln, which has been in the Bone family since 1911, is one of three nominations to be named diversified farm of the year to be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Thusday October 26.
The Lamlash farm is run by Kenneth and his wife Eleanor with the help of their three children, Cameron, Euan and Hannah, along with stockmen Angus Duncan, Rab Walker and trainee Fergus West.
The farm has a herd of 120 Aberdeen Angus spring calving cows and youngstock and a flock of 600 blackface and cheviot ewes. Spring barley is grown which makes the farm self-sufficient in feed and straw. One hundred and ten acres of silage and haylage are grown for the livestock.
In 2004, the business initially diversified into horse liveries run by Eleanor. Later, farm cottages were upgraded to accommodate long-term lets.
Further housing was provided by converting redundant farm buildings into residential units and later new build houses were developed to accommodate local families. Eighteen new long-term rental houses are currently being developed by Arran Development Trust with assistance from Glenkiln at Rowarden.
A further diversification was a hydro-electric scheme on the farm which Euan was involved in. It was completed in 2016 supplying around 400 homes in the village. Euan designs other renewable projects as a civil engineer and the business is now working on the pre-development of a four mega-watt solar farm in conjunction with Arran Community Renewables, as previously reported by the Banner.
Kenneth, along with two partners, bought the Drift Inn in 2017 and the farm supplies beef, lamb and venison to the restaurant in Lamlash which is run by a management team employing up to 28 staff.
In 2020, Cameron established the agricultural contracting business which he operates from the farm along with the hedge cutting he does round the island.
Last year, Glenkiln completed the building of a new indoor riding arena on Arran to augment the livery business which Eleanor now runs with Hannah.
The arena hosts riding events and training, not only for riders but for the local rugby club with a view to holding further social events in the arena. The Arran Farmers Society is given courtesy of the fields and the annual Farmers’ Show has been held there since 2009.
Kenneth said: “We are delighted the business has been shortlisted for the Scottish diversified farm of the year award and recognised for the efforts the family has put into the business.
“We are looking forward to the awards ceremony in Glasgow next week and a day away from the farm. It is satisfying to know there is now a strong base for the next generation to build upon.”
Glenkiln farm faces opposition from J W Smith, Byres Farm, Fochabers and The Sheepdog School, Ardros Farm, Bute.
The Scottish Agriculture Awards are held in partnership with AgriScot, RHASS and The Scottish Farmer.
The Bone family at the entrance sign of Glenkiln Farm are delighted to have been nominated for the diversification award. 01_B42glenkiln01_23_diversify_award