A SHEEP farmer from Ochiltree has been unveiled as one of three finalists in the AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year Award.

The finalist farms, from the Ayrshire and the Borders, were selected from a strong line-up of nominations this year.

Whilst the businesses themselves are quite different, all are run by producers dedicated to producing first class, quality assured Scotch Lamb PGI.

The finalist farms are Orchardton Farm in Ochiltree run by James Nisbet, Sharpitlaw in Kelso run by Kevin Stewart, and Swinside Townfoot farm, Jedburgh run by Peter and Vicki Hedley.

All three farm businesses share a commitment to constantly looking for ways to improve productivity and efficiency.

The aim of the AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year Award is to showcase excellence in sheep production in Scotland and to raise the profile of the dedication of the Scottish sheep farmers who produce Scotch Lamb PGI.

The recipient will receive a £500 cheque as well as a £250 voucher to celebrate their success at a Scotch Beef Club restaurant.

Hamish Dykes, AgriScot Board member commented: “It was fantastic to see so many applications from a wide range of sheep enterprises across Scotland. The AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year is a fantastic platform for help raise the profile of the dedication and passion of sheep farmers in Scotland who work hard to produce top-quality Scotch Lamb PGI the industry is renowned for.”QMS

Chair, Kate Rowell, added: “It was great to visit the three finalists where we examined all aspects of their business, from a high standard of technical and financial performance to the implementation of new ideas to improve efficiency and profitability.”