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 out in New Zealand for a period of travel and work – hopfeully returning home with new ideas and fresh enthusiasm.

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 focusses primarily on Fearn’s sheep enterprise, and heads up the lambing shed – a mean feat for an 18-year-old! With previous experience wool handling for two shearing seasons, Izzy is hoping to head out to New Zealand for her HAU placement year in summer 2023 – to learn from the very best of NZ’s shearing and wool industry.

Lexie is studying in her final few years at high school, 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 still at school but on school holidays and weekends Archie helps round the farm with checking and moving stock.

Jim joined the team in 2019 with a wealth of experience having completed his degree in agriculture in 2005 at Craibstone. Following his studies, he worked on farms in Aberdeenshire before returning north to go self-employed for another seven years prior to joining our team. Having grown up locally and helped us out in the past, Jim oversees all growing crops and machinery.

Murray pictured with his dog Sally, is from Balcaskie Estate in East Fife. He has worked many lambing seasons at Fearn Farm and is currently undertaking his Agricultural Apprenticeship with us. Once completed, Murray hopes to head to University in Autumn 2023 to further his agricultural education.

Ed joined Fearn Farm in July 2022 for his 12-month Harper Adams Placement Year. He is orginally from a Sheep and Arable Farm in Leicestershire. Ed hopes to gain a weath of experience of mixed farming operations, before heading back to Harper in Autumn 2023 to complete his final studies – a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture.

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 46 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.