Farmer’s home plan
An ambitious young farmer is hoping to be allowed to build a home to help him take over the family business.
Jack Scott has submitted an application to Stirling Council planners for a house and garage on a site 105 metres south of Myme Farm near Thornhill.
The 23-year-old has told the officials he hopes to take over the farm - which is currently run by his father and previously by his grandfather - as well as other family businesses.
He said: “I have been involved in farming since I left school in 2015 and that has involved me initially helping on the family farm and in my father’s contracting business, undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture (Mixed Farming) then spending a year abroad in New Zealand as a farming contractor before returning to Stirlingshire to work full time in farming.”
Mr Scott now works as an agricultural contractor on farms in Stirlingshire, including the family farm and says he works up to an 80 hour week as well as helping with a separate minibus business.
In his statement to the planners he added: “At present, I spend about 75 per cent of my time as an agricultural contractor and 25 per cent working on Myme Farm.
“However, that will change over the next five years as my father, David Scott, is 61 and is looking to retire. He lives in the Myme Farm farmhouse, and will continue to do so, so I am looking to build my own house on the farm so I am close at hand to take on the full reins of the farm as my father slowly takes a back seat. I will also take over the minibus business as well.”
Myme farm is located north of the B822 half way between Thornhill and Kippen. It comprises an arable farm of 34.99 hectares that surrounds the original farmhouse, and a farm steading. The business also rents a further 10 hectares close by that is also used for hay.
“The Scott family first moved to and started farming Myme Farm in 1947 as the business W G Scott before establishing the current business WG Scott & Son in 1983,” said Mr Scott. “WG Scott & Son originally comprised my father and grandfather. It is now solely run by my father who is a sole trader. The intention is that I take over the farm and all related businesses (contracting and the minibus) and that transition has already started.
“My intention is to expand the farm, if I can, in the coming years by buying more land that will allow us to expand and diversify operations.
“Myme Farm itself will remain mainly arable, but I already have a few sheep and my intention is to increase my flock once I have more time on my hands away from contracting and also potentially to diversify into cattle.
“Being able to live separately on the farm, but nonetheless close to the farm buildings, will allow me to do all of these things and will also give me my independence.”
Council planners are expected to make a recommendation on Mr Scott’s application in due course.