Question 1:

From Sally:

Q1: What’s it like living in the Highlands year-round?
A: We love how intense the weather can be. Summers in our glen (valley) are often surprisingly warm and bring a burst of growth, even though we’re 1,600 feet above sea level. Winters can feel severe at times, but we don’t feel punished by them; the weather is constantly shifting, from cold to wind to rain, and that changeability keeps it all alive and interesting.

Question 2:

From Robert:

Q2: What inspired you to start the farm?
A: A desire for independence, a better quality of life, and the ability to take full responsibility for meeting our needs; in a way that’s healthy and held to a high standard; is what inspired us. Working with the land allows us to live with purpose and intention.

Question 3:

From Maggie & Rupert:

Q3: How do you make your candles, and what are they made from?
A: Our candles are made from the fat of our own Highland cows, which we render and clarify into pure tallow. We blend this with beeswax for structure, add a touch of mica for a gentle shimmer, and scent them with essential oils for a natural fragrance. At the moment, we use standard moulds, but we’re experimenting with crafting our own to bring even more uniqueness to each candle.

Question 4:

From Laureen:

Q4: Do the Highland cows have names, and do they recognise you?
A: Yes, all our coos have names; most of them chosen by our little ones. They definitely recognise us and will come when we call, though it’s more the sound of our voices they respond to than their individual names.

Question 5:

From Brady:

Q5: What’s the personality of a Highland cow like? Are they gentle?
A: Highland cows are generally very gentle by nature, but like any animal, temperament can vary; and breeding plays a big part in that. We pay close attention to behaviour, and if a cow shows signs of aggression, we choose not to continue breeding from that line. Calm, steady temperaments are important to us.

Question 6:

From Samantha:

Q6: Do Highland cows produce milk, and do you use it?
A: They do produce a good amount of milk. We currently milk a few of the mothers for our own use; mainly for tea and cheesemaking; while still sharing plenty with their calves, who drink a great deal!

Question 7:

From John:

Q7: Do you have any predators in the Highlands?
A: On our farm, we’ve seen pine martens and birds of prey such as eagles, kestrels, kites, ospreys, and crows. We even found a badger nearby once. That said, they don’t pose much of a threat to us or our animals. In truth, our own farm cats are more of a handful; when young chicks are out exploring!

Question 8:

From Maureen:

Q8: Do you use traditional methods or modern ones?
A: We primarily use traditional methods on the farm; from ploughing the fields to providing water for the cows. That said, we’re not entirely without modern touches; our trusty old quad bike still gets plenty of use!

Question 9:

From Jon & Clare:

Q9: What are your favourite parts of the farm life?
A: We’re happiest in the kitchen garden; planting, harvesting, weeding, making new beds, and collecting seeds. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something beautiful or useful from the land’s own resources. We also love to study, learn, and keep improving how we do things; and just as much, we love sharing what we do and learn with others.

Question 10:

From Adam:

Q10: What do you feed the cows, especially in winter?
A: In summer, the cows graze on fresh grass and wild meadow growth. In winter, they’re fed hay bales, standing hay, neeps (turnips), and sometimes oats and barley for extra nourishment. When the snow is deep and they can’t reach the standing hay, we bring in hay bales to make sure they stay well fed and content.