The Drumachloy Story

On a stretch of farmland on the northern tip of Scotlands Isle of Bute, son has followed father for over 200 years at Drumachloy.

Continuing a tradition that began in 1798, my wife Fiona and I took over the farm from my  father in 1986, becoming the family's sixth generation on the land.

My farm overlooks the neighbouring Isle of Arran and Inchmarnock, a position where the gulf stream brings us warm summers and mild winters, an ideal, stress-free climate for to raise our rose veal calves

The farm today

We try to keep only a small number of pedigree Holstein Fresian calves for veal, to ensure we can care for them properly, with undivided attention. We raise them as naturally we can, without vaccinations or medications, only ever calling the vet in emergencies.

We rely on fresh air, barley from the farm and the home-grown grass to keep the calves healthy. Their diet is supplemented with malt barley left over from Scotlands breweries and distilleries

Long before 'sustainable farming' was a buzz word, we have run the farm as simply and naturally as possible. We're part of a larger farming community here on the island, with milk from our dairy going to the award-winning Bute cheddar. A neighbour across the river is a specialist rare breed butcher, and helps prepare our veal.

Our calves live in large bright open air barns, newborn calves at first live on their own to keep them safe, and after about two weeks, when they find their legs join others in small social communities. Raising rose veal isn't just about rearing the right breed of animal, it's about caring for them. With the landscape, traditional Scottish farming methods and the larger community we are part of, we  feel the quality of our veal owes as much to the island as to me and Fiona and the calves.

I'd like to extent a note of thanks to Janet Street-Porter who shared her experiences with me and became an inspiration during our early rose veal endeavors. Also, I'd like to thank Chris Trotter of the Slow Food organisation for his initial encouragement and ongoing support.