Mull farm powers up with Clydesdale Bank backing

14th August 2014

One of Mull’s few owner managed farms has installed a new hydropower scheme which will safeguard its long-term future and the jobs it provides to the local community.

Ardnacross Farm, on the north east coast of the island, has completed the installation of a 100kw hydropower scheme with funding support from Clydesdale Bank. The six-figure deal was completed by John Imray, business development manager in Clydesdale Bank’s Highlands and Islands Business and Private Banking team.

The 1,250 acre farm has been run by the Forrester family since the early 1940s and currently employs three local people. The business has diversified in recent years and the farm now boasts four holiday cottages, a Bed and Breakfast business, and a shop, in addition to its herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle and flock of Cheviot and Hebridean sheep.

The hydropower scheme is fully operational and provides the farm with an additional source of income via the Feed in Tariff programme. It is intended that the scheme will eventually be used to provide power to the farm, delivering a reduction in running costs.

Rory Forrester said: “The installation of the hydropower scheme allows us to continue our policy of diversifying the revenue base at Ardnacross.

“Diversification is important to us but so is making use of the vast array of natural resources on our doorstep, so taking advantage of hydropower ticks both those boxes. Our good relationship with Clydesdale Bank and the understanding of our business which its team demonstrates has been instrumental in this project.”

The Forrester family has conducted its business and private banking with the local Clydesdale Bank team since 1964.

Hamish Boag, head of Clydesdale Bank’s Highlands and Islands Business and Private Banking team, said: “Rory and his team at Ardnacross have identified an opportunity to diversify and capture the raw energy around them. We are proud to be supporting them to take that opportunity and provide a significant boost to the local community on Mull.