Ewen Macmillan features in 300 Farmers of Scotland

And it’s that seam Eilidh MacPherson tapped into to create her latest book, 300 Farmers of Scotland.

The editor of a bi-monthly magazine focusing on the farming industry, Eilidh used her contacts to get to work on the book.

She personally knew around 80 farmers who are featured and word of mouth helped her discover even more who had fascinating stories to tell.

The compilation provides a glimpse of the innovation used by today’s farmers to ensure they not only survive but thrive.

Eilidh said: “I found it really interesting finding out what the farmers are doing differently these days – it was really enjoyable.

“The truth is I’ve only just scratched the surface as there are around 16,000 farmers in Scotland.

“However, I’ve already started on the second installment and I’m hoping that will be ready in time for Christmas this year.”

300 Farmers of Scotland was released in December 2016 and has won rave reviews, not least from those who are featured within its glossy pages.

One of the farmers who was only too happy to appear was Ewen Macmillan, from Lurg, Fintry.

He was able to buy and run a farm at the age of 23 and now, 23 years on, he is a well respected Blackface breeder.

Ewen’s sheep command impressive prices for both breeding males and females, including a record £8000 for an in-lamb ewe.

But it has not all been plain sailing for the hard-working dad of three and his wife Louise.

He took over at Lurg in November 1993 when it had 1700 ewes – 1300 Blackfaces and 400 mules.

Within nine months, Ewen had reduced that number to 1400.

And in 2000, he made a few difficult management decisions to improve profitability on his hill property.

He had no option but to let Alec Steedman, “an exceptionally good man”, go and slashed the number of ewes to 850. It proved a more manageable number for a one man outfit.

Ewen has since seen an increase in profit margins and his shepherd’s house now also brings in a rental each month.

With fewer ewes, the feeding bill is also lower and the stock is healthier.

It’s been an interesting road for Ewen, who was brought up on Arisaig Estate in Lochaber, which is father and grandfather both managed.

As such, shepherding was in the blood and Ewen started at the tender age of 16. So it was no surprise, perhaps that aged just 23, he felt confident of running his own farm.

He looked at quite a few places before settling on Lurg in Fintry.

Ewen said: “I felt mature and able to take on the world – my father went back up to Arisaig and left me to get on with it and make it pay.

“It’s good farming country in a lovely area which was ideal for me.”

Ewen contines to make the farm pay to this day.

He lives at Lurg with his wife Louise and their three children Hannah (6), Ruaridh (3) and one-year-old Lucy, so he has plenty to keep him busy as well as the farm!

As for appearing in the book, Ewen was more than happy as he is a personal friend of Eilidh’s.

He said: “It’s a great book. I’ve not read it cover to cover yet but I’ve dipped into it every now and again.

“Even just for making contacts and discovering what other farmers are doing to diversify, it’s a fantastic and really interesting read.”