Nominee Summary
Ben McClymont is a dynamic and forward-thinking farm manager, overseeing 700ha across Saughland and Crichton Farms while also providing advisory support to neighbouring businesses. A respected leader in Scotland’s agricultural community, Ben serves as a National Board Member of NFUS, Chair of the NFUS Next Generation Committee, and a National Board Trustee of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers. His commitment to practical excellence, policy engagement, and rural leadership is matched by his drive to innovate and support others in the industry. Ben’s influence is growing fast—and he’s undoubtedly one of the rural sector’s brightest rising stars at 29 years.
Nominee – Qualities
Ben McClymont shows unwavering drive and commitment to the rural sector through his progressive approach to farm and business management. As Farm Manager of Saughland and Crichton Farms (700ha), he leads not just with skill, but with vision—driving diversification, sustainability, and rural enterprise development. His implementation of renewable energy projects, such as solar installations, and his ongoing work to transform redundant farm buildings into valuable workshop and business space, reflect his entrepreneurial mindset and long-term planning. Ben is deeply motivated to make the rural sector stronger, fairer, and more future-focused. He actively mentors and creates entry-level opportunities for young people within his business—believing in learning by doing and giving others the start he once sought himself. As Chair of the NFUS Next Generation Committee and a National Board Member, Ben advocates for policy change that supports the next generation of farmers. He’s also a National Trustee for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers, further evidencing his passion for building leadership capacity across the sector. Ben is known for setting and maintaining high standards—whether in the field, the workshop, or the office. He is a stickler for cleanliness, organisation, and presentation, believing a tidy business reflects professionalism and pride. Above all, Ben’s combination of practical experience, entrepreneurial development, and genuine sector-wide commitment marks him out as an emerging leader in Scottish agriculture.
Nominee - Sectoral Impact
Ben McClymont has made a significant impact on rural Scotland by championing progress at both grassroots and national levels. As Chair of the NFUS Next Generation Committee, Ben successfully secured Scottish Government funding for a national practical training fund—opening up access to essential skills development for young and aspiring farmers. He also influenced the design of Scotland’s newest capital grant scheme, ensuring it placed meaningful focus on supporting new entrants into agriculture. Ben’s commitment to long-term rural sustainability is equally evident in his leadership of the SAYFC “Big Build” campaign—a visionary project to deliver a new national home for Scotland’s young farmers. This initiative aims to strengthen community, identity, and opportunity for rural youth across the country. Locally, his efforts to develop farm infrastructure, implement renewable energy, and create business space from redundant buildings are enabling other rural businesses to thrive. He actively creates employment and training opportunities for young people, giving them the experience and confidence needed to succeed in the sector. Ben’s work is already benefiting individuals, communities, and future generations—shaping a more vibrant, inclusive, and opportunity-rich rural Scotland.
Nominee - Going the extra mile
Ben McClymont stands out for his ability to turn vision into action. What sets him apart is his instinct to lead from the front—whether on the farm, in the boardroom, or in the wider rural community. He doesn’t wait to be asked; he steps up and drives progress. On-farm, Ben is leading the transformation of underused infrastructure into valuable assets—turning old buildings into modern workshop and business spaces. He has introduced renewable energy systems to improve sustainability and long-term viability, all while running complex livestock and arable operations to an exceptionally high standard. Nationally, Ben played a central role in securing a government-backed practical training fund for young people in agriculture—a long-needed step-change for rural skills development. He also influenced Scotland’s most recent capital grant scheme to better support new entrants, showing real policy impact. His leadership of the SAYFC Big Build project further demonstrates his commitment to legacy—building a permanent national space for young farmers that will serve generations to come. Ben's drive, attention to detail, and clear pride in everything he puts his name to—whether that’s a clean yard, a balanced grazing plan, or a major campaign—make him a rare combination of doer, thinker, and leader. He doesn’t just work hard—he works smart, and he works for others as much as for himself.
