My name is Iain. I have eight years of experience here and for the past four years, I’ve been running the business as the farm manager. I’m a second-generation market gardener, living on-site here in Inverness, Scotland. Our core mission is to grow and deliver organic vegetables to our local community.
My parents also live on-site, along with my younger brother. My mum established the farm around 23 years ago. I live in a static caravan on the land with my dog, Birch. His mum, Lilly, lives with my parents, along with Pepper—another very friendly and welcoming dog. I'm always keen to share and pass on knowledge about organic farming.
My day-to-day activities cover all aspects of market gardening and running the business. This includes (but isn’t limited to): planning, sowing, transplanting, harvesting, packing, and delivering produce. I also handle operations such as customer communications, accounts, and marketing. I’d like WWOOFers to get involved in, and learn about, all the key technical tasks and skills required to grow organic vegetables.
A typical day involves a variety of farm tasks—both inside the polytunnels and outdoors—depending on the schedule for supplying veg boxes or restaurant orders. Tasks are spread throughout the week to support the farm’s workflow. WWOOFers will join me between 9am and 4pm. With 45mins for lunch and a 20-30min break around 11am.
WWOOFers will gain hands-on experience in every stage of organic veg production, from soil prep to delivering the final box. I also love to explain the ‘why’ behind our methods, whether it’s harvest methods or organic pest control.
WWOOFers will be expected to enjoy fresh veg straight from the farm. We also have laying ducks and hens, and their eggs will be available when they’re producing enough. All the usual staples—bread, milk, butter, rice, pasta, oil, salt, sugar, tea, coffee, herbs and spices—will be provided. In addition, WWOOFers can choose extra ingredients based on their preferences, which I’ll collect and provide on a weekly shop. I’ll also keep the staple items topped up as needed. WWOOFers will have their own kitchen in their accommodation, with full access to prepare meals independently.
WWOOFers will stay in a self-contained static caravan (9 by 27 feet) with a covered porch and wood store attached. It’s warm, functional, and has been thoughtfully upgraded over the years—I lived in it myself for over four years, so it’s had some love put into it!
There’s a cosy Morso wood burner for heating, with plenty of dry firewood available to keep it toasty if the weather turns. It also has an electric water heater for hot showers and dishwashing, a plumbed-in toilet, running taps, and a gas cooker with oven and hob for cooking meals. You’ll have your own fully-equipped kitchen to use. The washing machine for both of us is more safely kept in our packing shed to avoid possible frozen pipes in winter.
The caravan is private, and while my own dwelling is just next door, it’s screened by frosted glass for added privacy. It’s a peaceful setup with lovely views around, and a great place to unwind after a day's work on the farm.
I love to cook—there’s not much more satisfying than harvesting your ingredients just moments before you cook them. For the most part we will cook our own meals, but it would be nice to occasionally enjoy a meal together. I would prepare a meal for the first and final days regardless. I enjoy rock climbing at my local gym and going on scenic walks with Birch. I also value time spent around a campfire with friends and family. When I get the chance, I love to travel and explore new places.
We're located right on the edge of the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness a fantastic base to explore beautiful scenery. To top it off there's an ancient stone circle on our land, under 100m from where you'll be staying.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Beekeeping
Seed saving or production
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
No-till farming
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Production farm
Certified organic
Former WWOOFer
4.1
Hectares
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10
Acres
