Agriculture

Our in-hand arable acreage extends to 2500 acres, mainly grade 3.1 (MacAulay land use classification).

The land comprises sulphur deficient mineral soils predominately high in potash, medium for phosphate, all within the Strathmore Nitrogen Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). It is relatively stone free but, with a high clay content, is susceptible to compaction and panning.

The land by the rivers has been used for cropping for centuries, whilst much of the land to the south was too wet and sour for cultivation. Birch and heather dominated, with small drier areas crofted. Much of this land was reclaimed in the early nineteenth century taking advantage of improved drainage and liming.

The fields are large and relatively flat, and are capable of growing a wide range of arable crops.