Life Beyond the Farm Gate: Robert Neill and John MacInnes

Firm friends Robert Neill and John MacInnes join Sarah Stephen to Blether Together about the joys and pressures of their working lives, whether running AgriScot, Robert’s newer role as NFUS Vice President, or on their family farms in Kelso and Iona.

Both men share how they’re helping smooth the path into farming for the next generation -recognising when to step back, give younger voices room to grow, and trust them to make their own mark on the business.

There’s also chat about how island life isn’t necessarily isolated. On Iona, John has a close community, some keen fellow golfers, and a steady stream of passing tourists to talk with (and to skive from shearing, says Robert!).

Both men agree that having interests outside the farm, whether it’s golf, community work, or a project that’s just for you, plays a big role in keeping well and maintaining perspective.

Robert also reflects on how wellbeing can come from being hands-on and helping others.

Whether that’s getting practical in the workshop or pitching in to find solutions to people’s problems, giving your time and support can make a real difference. One of the Five Ways to Wellbeing is Give, and it’s something Robert and John live by, through mentoring, volunteering, and contributing to the wider farming community.

Join us live at AgriScot

We’ll be recording anepisode of Blether Together live at AgriScot on Tuesday 19 November. Come along to the Seminar Room Two at 9.00am to be part of the conversation, or catch the Farmstrong Scotland team as we make our way around the show.

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Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.

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Explore Foundations of Mental Strength

Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk