Robert and Justine worked in forestry and rural development in the tropics for 15 years before deciding to settle on the west coast of Scotland. This was mainly to provide a stable home environment for our 4 children. We renovated a virtually derelict Manse, a Scottish rectory, making it fossil fuel free in the process.

We have been lucky enough to acquire about 7 acres of rough grazing around the Manse which we are slowly converting to a productive small holding. Over a period of 2 years our small herd of Tamworth pigs battled against the bracken, brambles and rushes for us. We are extending our organic vegetable beds each year, and hope to establish a blueberry and lingonberry field in the near future. We also have 6 laying hens and a cockerel so there is always a plentiful supply of eggs.

See 'Smallholding' page for more details.

Our main income generating activity (started in 2006) is the production of exotic fungi on sawdust and woodchip blocks (see 'Mushrooms' page for more details).

We are set up for WWOOFers to come and join in the fun. You must be a current member of WWOOF UK in order to volunteer under this scheme.

Work will be varied, determined partly by rain and midge levels (we have a 'Midge eater' close to the vegetable garden). It is likely to include work on the vegetable garden, tree planting, collecting fuelwood, looking after animals, helping to prepare for installing the hydro schemes and other bits and pieces.