Tasked with delivering their fresh milk to approximately 1,000 doorsteps every week, Invercamey Dairy has cemented itself as one of the north-east’s most prominent drinks producers.
Situated in Woodhead near Fyvie, the business is set in a 250-acre plot and run by father and son Alexander, 72, and Richard Fisher, 33, who have worked side by side in making Invercamey Dairy the success story it is today for the past decade.
The duo milk around 60 (predominantly) Ayrshire cows, and process their own milk to be delivered to people and local retailers across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
But in doing this, it took years of persuasion from Richard, who urged his dad to take a leap of faith and kickstart their own milk delivery service.
“We have been in the dairy industry for over 60 years, but only since February 2020 have we been processing and bottling ourselves,” Richard said.
“Historically the farm was bought by my grandparents, with my father following in their footsteps. I then followed on around 10 years ago and assisted in the day-to-day running of the farm.
“Upon the deteriorating milk price, me and my father had a decision to make. While he was ready to pack it in, it was my decision to push to diversify the business.
“During this process, we were also served a 12-month notice from our milk contract supplier, along with 13 other farms north of Aberdeen. This would mean they would no longer collect from us from November 2020.
“My dad and I had no choice but to stop or do something ourselves, so that’s how it all came about.”
Father and teacher
Richard – a third-generation farmer, who formerly studied digital media – had always possessed a passion for running his own business.
The duo quickly set about plans to create their vision. And although there have been “generational differences” in their partnership, Richard explained his dad taught him everything he knows.
He added: “It took time to persuade my father to agree to such changes, but he did eventually.
“Whilst there can be a number of disagreements due to differences in generations, we ultimately work very well and his wealth of experience can be invaluable.
“Fundamentally, dad has taught me everything I know in agriculture as I never went to college to study and because of that, we have a good working relationship. The best thing is looking back and seeing what we have achieved this past 16 months.
“With the big age gap, it can be difficult to agree as my dad is old school and isn’t exactly technologically savvy, so it’s difficult to modernise our practices if it’s been done the same way for years.
“But I wouldn’t be here had it not been for my father and if it wasn’t for myself, the dairy would no longer be here. Without either of us, Invercamey Dairy would never have been born.”
Invaluable team
Other than Richard and Alexander, there is a close-knit team working behind the scenes at Invercamey Dairy.
Richard added: “In terms of the processing business, it is operated by me. I milk the cows twice a day seven days a week, plan the routes for doorsteps, and do a large part of the admin while assisting with other duties on the farm.
“While dad isn’t part of the bottling process, he is heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the farm, which allows me to concentrate more on the processing side”
“My sister has also been a massive part of the business since its birth, while she wasn’t initially keen, she now lives and breathes milk when she’s not working her nine-to-five job.”
Alexander continued: “We have a great team made up of two processors, three drivers and one farmhand that have been invaluable to the growth of our business, day or night they have never let us down.”
“In addition to this, we have been supported by friends, neighbours and family. Without them, we would have struggled to get the milk on the shelf to the doorstep the next morning.”
Richard hopes his son Owen will follow in the family’s footsteps when the time comes.
He said: “I can see myself running the farm with my son Owen, who is one now. I could also imagine my sister being a bigger part of it in the future (as she is).
“But it will be a very sad day when one of us – me or my dad – isn’t here to support each other. My dad will work as long as his health allows him and I hope I have a lot of years left in me.”