ABOUT US
Built for Sutherland Estates (owners of Dunrobin Castle) in 1865, this listed farmhouse has all the grandeur and intrigue of a stately residence, but the welcome and atmosphere of a relaxed home.
Situated overlooking the East Sutherland village of Brora, half way between Inverness and John O’Groats, Clynelish Farm is a great place for a stop-over or to base yourself while you explore the magnificent and historic Sutherland landscape.
There is plenty to see and do locally and many day excursions further afield. Your hosts will be more than happy to point you in the right direction and reveal some of the hidden gems that rarely make it into the guide books. Most popular attractions include Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery and Loch Fleet Nature Reserve.
Spend the evening relaxing in the living room with a dram, or dine in one of the local restaurants.
If you are lucky enough to be here during some nice weather there is a BBQ available for guest use.
Free guest wi-fi available, along with a welcome hamper of cafetiere coffee, fairtrade shortbread and a range of organic Clipper teas.
Cyclists will find the inside bike storage and hearty breakfast a welcome bonus. Whether it’s your first or last day in the saddle, we’ll get you back on the road ready for your next leg.
This is a working farm, running 600 ewes and 80 cows. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have about this side of our business.
THE FARM
'Fab From Forage'
The Ballantyne family have been farming at Clynelish Farm since 1982 when Murdo & Jane secured the tenancy of the farm from what was then Scottish Malt Distillers (now Diageo). Their son Jason and his wife Victoria moved into the farmhouse at the end of 2012.
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Our mission is to produce high quality, environmentally sustainable, high welfare beef and lamb.
We are members of Quality Meat Scotland's Scotch Beef & Scotch Lamb assurance programs.
We work together on the farm and will try to answer any questions guests may have about the business – like most farmers we are happy to talk about farming ’til the cows come home’!
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Clynelish Farm is about 300 ac/125 ha & despite its small size carries around 600 ewes, 80 cows and 70 yearling cattle, with some extra grazing rented to help spread the mouths at times. We buy in extra weaned calves from hill farms and take them through to forward stores or finishing. We also contract farm 250 ewes just up the road.
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Clynelish Farm has been involved in a number of projects and initiatives, including the 2017-20 Sutherland Monitor Farm, Farming for A Better Climate Focus Farm and QMS Grazing Group. In 2022 Victoria was awarded a Nuffield Farming Scholarship which will see her visit farmers around the world looking at the importance of body condition in maternal livestock.
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We have worked for many years toward a low input system that focuses on the benefits of soil health & grazing management to achieve better environmental and economic outcomes.
We have sub-divided much of the farm with temporary fencing, enabling us to operate a rotational grazing system.
Animals are fed almost entirely on grass or conserved forage (hay, silage, straw). In winter the calves are fed draff from Clynelish Distillery (the left over barley) and sugar beet pulp (left over from UK sugar production), making good use of human food chain by-products.
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We believe that livestock can be part of a sustainable future and are happy to discuss any queries you have around this part of our business.
