Matthew and his wife Carole began a Glamping diversification business 10 years ago and have successfully been welcoming families and groups onto their farm ever since. It is a real retreat for anyone wanting to escape busy urban life, as well as a unique educational experience through the various tours in which they provide. They have a 200 acre farm overlooking the rugged Buchan coast in Aberdeenshire, dedicated to a herd of beef cows and a sprinkling of sheep, peacocks, hens, ferrets and dogs. Their Farm Tours, running since 2019, educate the general public about farming, the coastline, it’s marine wildlife, flora and fauna, local fishing and local history.
Over many generations, Matthew's family have managed their traditional farm, modernising their farming practices as and when technology and money allowed. It is his desire to keep the practices of yesteryear alive however which make him stand out from the crowd. His father was a blacksmith, a farrier, a farmer, a bee keeper and a master hedge layer - skills which have been passed on to Matthew. He has a great knowledge of trees and timber, birdsong, insects, wildflowers and wildlife. As a custodian of the countryside and advocate for countryside ways, he works in harmony with his surroundings – nature, wildlife, weather. Spotting dolphins, knowing the seabirds mating rituals, nesting habits and recognising coastal grasses and flowers are all in a days work for a coastal farmer like Matthew.
Matthew relishes the opportunity to share his knowledge with others and uses his Farm Tours as a way to raise awareness of all things rural. Visitors can be tourists visiting the area looking for something to do, glamping guests who are staying overnight on our farm, or local people making use of what is on their doorstep. Uniformed organisations such as the Brownies and Boys Brigade have also been welcomed and they work in partnership with the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative, opening the farm up to school visits to increase countryside awareness through education.
The farm provides lambing tours (which take place in June and December), and shearing tours. which give the visitor a chance to learn why sheep need to be shorn, the ability to see them getting their fleeces off up close, and an explanation of how the clippers (old and new) work. The Cow and Coast Tours offered educate visitors about cattle farming, keeping a suckler herd and the importance of high standards in the food industry.
There is increasing consumer demand for Agritourism; people want to know more about where their food is produced and enjoy the fresh air and freedom of the countryside. The couple have a passion for raising the profile of the Fraserburgh area, evidenced by Vice Chair role on Discover Fraserburgh Tourism Group and maintained close links with Scottish Agritourism, having recently spent two years as lead person for Aberdeenshire. Ensuring their farm's sustainability for future generations is at the heart of Matthew and Carole's plans for Down on the Farm, along with helping rural Scotland thrive.