Act fast for unique dairy farm opportunity on Scottish island

A large-scale tenancy or joint venture opportunity is on offer for a dairy farm on the Scottish isle of Bute.

Due to the retirement of the previous tenants, conservation charity Mount Stuart Trust is seeking a farmer to help establish a new dairy business. It is looking to offer a 20-year agreement.

Though open to applications from potential tenants, interest in a joint venture is also welcomed.

See also: Expert tips on how to apply for a farm tenancy

The area available ranges in size depending on the successful applicant’s plans, according to Mary Munro, head of farming in Scotland for Strutt & Parker, who is helping manage the application process.

There are two dairy farm steadings available and the new business could be based at either 215ha Kerrytonlia Farm or 212ha Drumachlov Farm, both of which have suitable houses, buildings and good productive grassland.

In addition, there are eight further land lots available that could be added to the enterprise, by separate negotiation.

A milk contract is in place and production must commence by September 2021, though the milking parlours at both sites need upgrading.

© Strutt & Parker

Innovation interest

Ms Munro said: “The ideal candidate will be someone with an innovative approach who wants to live on the island and integrate with the local community.

“We’d be particularly open to approaches from applicants with interesting ideas for adding value or processing some of the milk, as this is a strategy that would be encouraged by the trust.”

Farming is a major industry on the island, with the majority of the land area being used for beef, sheep or dairy farming. There are currently nine dairy farms.

Interested parties must register their interest with Ms Munro by the end of March by calling 07469 144 627.

They will be required to submit a CV and the next stage will be to complete a full application.