News from the field

Image courtesy of ORganic Rapeseed oil

Rural Britain is a wonderful assortment of farms, estates, hamlets, villages, forests and moors, lochs and valleys. Our stunning scenery, close communities and wonderful rural businesses provide an idyllic lifestyle for many, but rural life can also throw up some pretty unique challenges.

The Rural Scene (the Scene & Herd rural blog and news updates) looks at what’s new, what’s relevant, what’s tasty, what’s fun and what’s challenging about life in the Great British Countryside. We offer an insider insight into rural Britain, highlighting some of the exceptional people, businesses and innovations we believe that everybody should know about.

September 21, 2021

AgriScot Skills Competition Open for Business

The date for AgriScot has been moved to 9 February 2022, however, the various farm of the year awards and competitions hosted at the event are now in full flow.The AgriScot Business Skills competition - designed to encourage young people aged 18-25 to develop their farm and business management skills – has now opened for entries.

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September 20, 2021

OnFARM Podcast: Remembering Grant Brand, and 'We All Need a Farmer'

The news in February that East Lothian farmer Grant Brand had taken his own life left many in Scottish farming shocked and upset – and, of course, sending heartfelt good wishes to Grant’s family. This episode pays tribute to Grant, hearing memories and thoughts from his brother Jamie Brand.

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September 20, 2021

September 2021

Welcome to this special Food edition. At Scene & Herd HQ, harvest is nearly finished with just some spring barley, oats and beans to finish off. The Scene & Herd team have been foraging the last of the brambles and enjoying the changing landscape of the beautiful countryside.How has September been for you? We'd love to hear your news!

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September 16, 2021

Coasts and Waters: The British Seafood Cookbook Launched as part of Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight

Christopher Trotter, co-author of the classic cookbooks The Whole Cow and The Whole Hog provided a focus for this year’s Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight with his new book, Coasts and Waters: The British Seafood Cookbook, which was launched at Welch’s Fishmongers in Newhaven today as part of Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight.

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September 13, 2021

OnFARM Podcast: Europe's largest ram sale in the Scottish Borders

Monty goes in search of a new breeding tup at Europe's largest ram auction - while OnFARM producer Dave nearly buys one by accident. We also follow a young auctioneer getting his first opportunity on the big stage, and speak to Border Union Agricultural Society chief executive Dan Withall. The Kelso Ram Sales, held annually by BUAS, had an electric atmosphere from the outset - as one of the first major 'in person' agricultural events after Covid restrictions were loosened. Big thanks to the Border Union Agricultural Society for supporting this episode.

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