The tenants to run the first Scottish Government starter farm near Inverness have been selected.
Douglas and Grace-Ann Bennie from Fife will be the first tenants of the 296 acre starter unit at Balrobert Farm, which is currently part of the Scottish Government Bull Stud at Knocknagael.
The Bennies, who have three young children, were selected for the 10-year limited duration tenancy following an application and interview process aimed at attracting new farmers to the industry.
Mr and Mrs Bennie decided four years ago to start their own small livestock enterprise rearing store cattle, alongside their full-time jobs.
To date this has been done on seasonal land and they plan to use the opportunity of the Balrobert unit to build their business.
The Bennies have both been heavily involved in farming throughout their lives.
Although this is the Scottish Government’s first starter farm, it is the tenth in Scotland.
There are currently seven Forestry Commission Scotland starter farms in operation with a further two units planned.
