Our organic hill farm
Eastside is farmed by the Cowan family as it has been for five generations. Our Scottish Blackface sheep have played an important role in forming the landscape over centuries through producing organic grass-fed lamb, mutton, and wool alongside our environmental work.
Eastside farm is 1230 hectares and encompasses the best known peaks in the Pentland Hills. The South Black Hill, Hare Hill, Scald Law, and The Kips are iconic to the region. At its lowest point the farm is 262m (860 feet) above sea-level, rising to 579m (1900 feet) at the top of Scald Law; which is also the highest point in the Pentlands.
A rich & varied ecosystem
Walking through the farm, breathtaking views of the rolling hills abound. Swathes of purple heather punctuate a vibrant tapestry of wild grasses and bracken.
The fresh pasture underfoot illustrates the timeless values of traditional farming systems. Old-fashioned grasses, herbs, and heather support diverse and abundant wildlife that thrives alongside the sheep.
Red grouse, peregrines, curlew, wild hares, and cuckoo (among many other species) are common sights.
The late summer hill pastures are awash with a carpet of tiny flowers
Seasonality
The farming year starts as the year ends - the tups (rams or male sheep) go out with the first frosts. We're always busy on the farm and, as the seasons change, so do the jobs.
Our farming cycle is closely attuned to the seasons and the weather. Visiting us at different times of year will enrich your experience of Eastside.
The weather and the changing light are as much part of Eastside as the rocks beneath.
The Farming Year
Nature-friendly farming
This year, in collaboration with NatureScot, we start work on a new agri-environment project.
We've been working with a fantastic team of ecologists to conduct a whole-farm biodiversity audit to help inform how the complex mosaic of habitats that make up this upland farm would be best managed - for production, but also very much for ecological and environmental benefit. Our ecologists Tony, Richard, and Duncan have spent weeks walking the farm and taking detailed notes of species, habitats, condition, and the potential for improvement.
Together, we've put together a wonderfully exciting plan to be implemented over 5 years.
Our 5 year planCommunity & Partnership
We're proud members of the PLMA - a group of like-minded farmers who passionately believe that the Pentland Hills Regional Park can work better for all.
Together we are working on Project L-AND, a landscape-scale ecological habitat plan across 5920 ha in collaboration with our friends and neighbours. The project shall also be looking into educational programmes, a sustainable path maintenance strategy, and strong local community partnerships for a changing world.
