Arbuthnott Estate extends to some 940 hectares and lies in the valley of the River Bervie about 22 miles south of Aberdeen. With the exception of some 100 hectares of let land the estate is managed "in-hand" with the following approximate land use:

Arable crops and rotational grass 500 hectares

Woodland 200

Permanent grass, roads & buildings 140

35% of the estate falls within the EEC category "Less Favoured Area".

The soil is derived from Old Red Sandstone and varies from a medium loam to the brash and stony "Garvock Series". There is a small area north of the river surrounding the Home Farm steading classed as Grade 2, but the majority of the estate is 3.1 and 3.2 with the steeper riverbanks and LFA area being Grade 4 or above.

The variety of soils requires a careful and complex management approach, which is sensitive to crop requirements whilst giving protection and enhancement to the environment. The challenge is to produce quality wholesome food from an environment that thrives on its biodiversity. To this end crop growing encompasses minimum use of pesticides consistent with producing a quality crop and the cattle are stocked at low density (under 1 livestock unit per hectare).

We are founder members of the Scottish Quality Cereals and Scotch Quality Beef and Lamb Associations.

We joined the Rural Stewardship Scheme in 2002. This is a major scheme to link conservation and biodiversity with sustainable farming.

Different varieties of cereals, (mainly barley and wheat) are grown to spread the harvest, labour requirements and the varying nature of the soil. The objective is to pursue quality rather than quantity and to grow for specific markets e.g. malting barley, milling oats etc. Cropping constitutes the backbone of the farming activities, and provides a fairly traditional rotation to support other land use activities.

The most important break crop is seed potatoes, which are stored, graded and marketed off the farm by the nearby co-operative, Montrose Potatoes Ltd.

Since the 1980’s a small area of daffodil bulbs are also grown for the flowers in the Spring but more importantly the dried bulb. The bulbs are left in the ground for two year shifts, after which they are lifted and graded, the surplus being sold and the balance replanted. Marketing of bulbs is done through another co-op, Grampian Growers Ltd. which is based just north of Montrose

Cattle.

A breeding herd of approximately 100 suckler beef cows is very much part of the scene at Arbuthnott as they suit the higher ground and a grass crop break amongst arable enterprises has numerous advantages. The cows are calved in the Spring and are almost all Simmental crosses. There are 3 Simmental bulls and the replacement heifers are produced from our own breeding stock. All other progeny is taken through on a traditional diet to maturity at 18 - 24 months.

Forestry.

There are some 200 hectares of woodland consisting of commercial softwoods although amenity hardwoods are important also. The plantations are often quite small, as shelter and game management have also been considered in their layout. The strips of woodland also serve as wildlife corridors around the arable areas.

Of the softwood timber being grown as a crop, the most common species are Sitka, Norway Spruce and Larch. There has been extensive additional planting of hardwoods in recent years the major species being Oak, Beech, Sycamore, Wild Cherry, Birch, Poplar and Ash. Other species such as Rowan, Whitebeam, Holly, Blackthorn and Lime enhance the diversity of woodland at Arbuthnott.

In 1960 a programme of replanting was set in motion that had been completely neglected since before the first World War. Consequently although there are some mature hardwoods having been planted in the 19^th century, there are few mature softwood plantations. A regular cycle of felling and replanting is only just being resumed.

Shooting and Conservation. A full time keeper is employed to safeguard the balance of wildlife on the estate and rear some 2500 pheasants annually. The shooting is let out to a third party who enjoy some of the most varied and sporting shooting in the county. Quarry species are pheasants, partridge, duck, woodcock, snipe and woodpigeon.

Holiday Houses.
Besides the ten houses that are let for long-term rentals, the old village school at Arbuthnott was converted in 1996 to form three luxury holiday houses. These are open all year and attract visitors from around the world. The Scottish Tourist Board has awarded these all: "4 Star".  The "Garden Cottage" was added to the holiday house sector in 2006.

Employment.

The farm employs a Grieve, Tractorman and Stockman. In addition there is a Forester, Gamekeeper and a Gardener for the Garden at Arbuthnott House.

Arbuthnott House is open on specified days each summer and otherwise by arrangement. The Gardens are open 9-5pm all year.

Even though it is a small population, there is a thriving social life centred on the Parish Hall. There are play facilities for children and a picnic area at the Hall, which adjoins the Lewis Grassic Gibbon Visitor Centre. Due to the village shop closing some years ago the Post Office is now located in the Centre which is a great asset to the community.

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