The Hamilton family from East Lothian are preparing to open their farm gate to thousands of farmers for the biennial event NSA Scotsheep 2024. After one of the toughest spring seasons on record for farmers across the UK, those working in the industry are certainly in need of a day out to network with old and new friends. Featuring a record breaking number of trade stands and breed societies, along with several seminars and demonstrations, and the much anticipated farm tour, the event on Wednesday June 5 is one not to be missed.
For the Hamilton brothers – James, Charles and Harry – along with their mother Vanessa, and respective wives Emma, Jane and Rebecca, final preparations are taking place at Aikengall. The family farms a combined 6,000 acres across six units near Innerwick, Dunbar, which is either tenanted, contract farmed or owned. Across the units, they run 2,800 breeding ewes and 900 spring calving cows with Simmental genetics featuring heavily in the females to cross with Simmental, Aberdeen-Angus and Lincoln Red bulls.
Three brothers farming 6,000 acres across six units The 1,900-acre Aikengall, where eldest son James is based with his family, is home to 1,400 Blackface ewes and the large suckler herd. Of the Blackie flock, 700 are bred pure and the remainder are crossed to the Bluefaced Leicester to produce replacement Scotch Mules for the tenanted Nunraw, managed by youngest son Harry. The flock of 1,400 Mules at Nunraw are in a high input, high output system .