Grace established Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle in March 2012 when she had the vision to farm one of Scotlands most iconic native breeds of cattle, the Highlander. Whith sole purpose was to acquire purebred pedigree Highland Cattle for breeding and the production of Highland Beef to sell to customers locally, across Scotland and eventually UK and worldwide, Grace gave up her career as an Environmental Health Officer and pursued her life long dream to farm produce of the best quality with a story to it’s provenance and having lived a fantastic lifestyle.
Knowing only too well how wonderful her quality beef tasted compared to what you can buy in the supermarkets and was also astonished that Highland Cattle are viewed as a none commercial breed yet produce, in her opinion, the best quality tasting beef you could ever eat.
Over the past 4 years Grace has undertaken a number of farming qualifications, gained experience working on other farms and continues to develop what she has learned every day whilst working on her farm, mastering and developing a wide range of day to day farm tasks whilst ensuring safety at all times. It is Grace’s enthusiasm, determination to learn for herself and passion that other farmers have prided Grace in developing so much in such a short period of time.
Impressing many with her knowledge and particularly her passion to launch her niche product to the market, successfully secured and attracting the support from a number of local networks and agencies to support her farm diversification both financially and with expertise.
With a clear vision to develop the North East as a food tourism destination, Grace pursued the role as one of the local ambassadors who can help scribe the story of local food production with passion and is currently meeting with chefs all over the UK who are hungry for premium quality beef with guaranteed provenance and an intriguing story of it’s Scottish healthy outdoor lifestyle.
Grace continues to develop her skills and experience and has recently undertaken the Scottish Enterprises Rural Business leaders Program 2016/17 where she strived to expand her skills further as a rural business leader. Grace is also one of twenty Aberdeenshire Food Businesses participating on the ONE’s (Opportunity North East) 1st Business Growth Program.
Grace has shown her dedication to supporting agriculture in her own local community by being committed to Deeside Agricultural Association in her capacity as Banchory Show Secretary. Grace is also secretary to the small East of Scotland Highland Cattle Club which is affiliated to the Highland Cattle Society and actively co-ordinates with the breed society in this role.
In her spare time Grace is also passionate about supporting Young Farmers clubs and has hosted stockading, farm tours and farm evaluation events on her own farm for the regional clubs. Grace’s own daughter Beth is now a Young Farmer and Grace is keen to support her daughters Durris Club with on farm activities.
Grace also opens her doors to support a number of organisation what show interest in rural matters and who seek an insight to her business.
During the summer months Grace spends a great deal of time preparing cattle to be exhibited at local and national shows. Getting a real buzz in the show ring and equally meeting the public at these events who wish to admire and learn more about the breed. The shows offers Grace a relaxed and wide audience to impart her knowledge and enthusiasm for this beautiful breed of cattle that is a beef producer.
