John is the fourth generation of his family to farm at Fearn. He obtained an HND in agriculture in Edinburgh before travelling to NZ – that’s when the real learning started – and has continued to date, with John being awarded a Nuffield Farming Scholarship in 2005.

In 2014, John was announced as the Farmers Weekly ‘Sheep Farmer of the Year’ and 2013 ‘Future Farmer of the Year’. He is a former Quality Meat Scotland board member and has chaired the Scottish Sheep Sector Review for the Scottish Government.

Fiona is originally from a family farm in Caithness, and moved to Fearn over 20 years ago originally working for Highland Rural Business Services before leaving to start a family and take on the financial side of the business.

Fiona is the glue in the operation – she keeps the wheels turning not only by looking after the finances but by assisting wherever she is required.

We have recently completed our new holiday accommodation – The Mill at Fearn Farm – which is her venture.

James Scott (Senior) was the thrid generation of Scott Family to farm at Fearn, and he’s still actively farming today. 

Usually spotted in shorts and Jesus sandles, James works hard in the background, and is an information ‘pot of gold’ for all things Fearn Farm. 

After completing an HND in Agriculture from SRUC Edinburgh, James takes a lead role in the management of our beef and sheep stud enterprises. James is currently working on the farm full time with the hopes to return to New Zealand for summer at the end of 2024.

Studying an Agri-Business at Harper Adams University in Shropshire, Izzy works on the farm when studies allow. With a keen eye for stock, she focuses primarily on Fearn’s sheep enterprise, and heads up the lambing shed! Izzy is currently on her HAU placement year working as a marketing student on an estate in East Fife. 

Lexie is studying Marketing at Heriot Watt University, and fits farm work around her studies. She is a key admin of Fearn’s social media accounts – even teaching her parents a thing or too, to keep them up to date!

Archie is in his final years at school but on school holidays and weekends Archie helps round the farm with checking and moving stock.

Kirsty is with us for a year on placement from Greenmount College in Northern Ireland and is in charge of farm admin. She also pulls the work boots on and helps with tractor and livestock tasks.

Andrew is also with us for a year from Greenmount and has taken a lead on tractor work and winter feeding whilst with us. Andrew is equally at home working with cattle and sheep and has a prize winning flock of blue texels at home.

Murray pictured with his dog Sally, is from Balcaskie Estate in East Fife. He has worked many lambing seasons at Fearn Farm and has recently done his Agricultural Apprenticeship with us. Murray is now studying Agriculture at Harper Adams University but often returns to work on the farm during breaks from University.

An essential part of the operation – our dogs, pictured here with Izzy. With a lot of cattle and sheep jobs everyday, our team of dogs is essential to the work we do. Particularly helpful for gathering in hills and large fields, these dogs never seem to tire – even when we’re positively knackered after a hard day’s graft.

Over the years, we’ve employed 57 Kiwis on a seasonal basis, many have just been here for lambing, others have stayed for prolonged periods of time and two have even kidnapped local men to take home to NZ!

We are proud to have strong links with New Zealand and enjoy the new ideas and energy that these people bring to our business and community.

If you’re planning travelling – get in touch! Who knows we might have a role for you for a few weeks or months and if we don’t we may have contacts who do.