Agricology Podcast

The Agricology Podcast takes a fresh look at the most exciting topics in sustainable farming, food production and the natural environment, with the help of expert guests from across the country. In 2020, we chatted with some of the movers & shakers in the fields, labs & food supply chains; focusing on sustainable farming practices in ‘Agroecology in Focus’ & speaking with innovating farmers ‘In the Field.’ The Agricology Podcast returned in 2024 ‘In conversation with’ an exciting line up of farmers, researchers, advisors & industry figures who set out to explore optimal carrying capacity - the practical, philosophical & pertinent. This was followed in 2025 by a diverse range of voices exploring the complex & often polarising topic of tillage in our series titled 'To Till or Not to Till?". Later that year, 'Agroforestry Through the Elements' offered an exciting way to explore individual topics relating to trees on farms while emphasising the fundamentally interconnected nature of agroforestry systems. Our new series explores sustainable farming and hyper-local food systems on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. We hope you enjoy it!

Agroecology Around Arran: Beyond the Farm Gate 06/25/2026

Agroecology Around Arran: Beyond the Farm Gate In the final episode of the series, we explore how the island's farmers have diversified their businesses to adapt to changing markets and build resilience for the future. Along the way, we'll discover how these new enterprises are creating benefits that extend far beyond the farm gate, supporting local jobs, producing essential goods and services, creating educational opportunities, and helping people reconnect with the land and the food they eat. Episode guests Alisa Currie Ailsa Currie set up and runs the visitor and education programme at , a family-run beef, sheep and arable farm located near Blackwaterfoot. The farm welcomes tourists, families and students to learn about farming, experience local food and build a deeper connection with Arran's landscape and natural environment. Bellevue also hosts a regular farmer's market in partnership with other local food producers. Kenny Bone Kenny Bone is a mixed farmer at Glenkiln Farm who also runs a livery business, indoor riding arena, holiday lets, a hydroelectric energy scheme, and is the co-owner of in Lamlash - alongside several other enterprises! Kenny is interested in caring for Arran's environment and is involved with many local organisations, including Arran Economic Group, and the local Forestry Commission panel as well as hosting the Arran Farmers Show. He was awarded and the Champion of Champions award at the Scottish Agriculture Awards in 2024. Colin Mackenzie Colin Mackenzie successfully transitioned his family farm business away from dairy and now runs Mackenzie Logs - supplying seasoned firewood across the island. He also has a small herd of beef breeding cattle and store lambs. Alistair Dobson Alongside his role of Managing Director at Arran Dairies which he runs with his son Matthew, Alistair Dobson is Managing Director of , a collaborative business that promotes, sells, and distributes food and drink from 10 SME producers on Arran to markets in the UK and abroad. Alistair is also the founding Chairman of and a founding member of the Arran Economic Group focused on fostering community development and preserving Arran’s cultural and natural heritage. /episode/index/show/agricology/id/41802155

Agroecology Around Arran: Growing Community 06/18/2026

Agroecology Around Arran: Growing Community In this episode we meet four inspiring guests who are championing small-scale horticulture, alternative food systems and pollinator conservation on Arran. We learn how market gardens, community growing projects and foraging initiatives are helping to celebrate local produce, reconnect people with the land and strengthen social wellbeing. We also explore the important role that bees and honey production play in supporting biodiversity and food production across the island. Episode guests Simon Ross-Gill Simon is the Director and Project Coordinator of, a project working to regenerate Scotland’s wild and natural landscapes in a way that incorporates rural communities while securing jobs and livelihoods for young people. The Pioneer Project runs several community gardens around Arran. Simon also works as a graphic designer specialising in books, handbooks, flyers and interpretive materials focussed on landscape, environment and community. He is passionate about working with local people to build a more sustainable and self-sufficient food system. Robin Gray Robin is a chef, grower and owner of , a take-away food business in Whiting Bay demonstrating how sustainably produced, seasonal ingredients can be used to celebrate the unique flavours of Arran. Zoë Hughes Zoë is a Wild Food Educator who runs and has been teaching foraging and wild food identification for over 4 years. She is a member of the Association of Foragers and completely obsessed with mushrooms! Andy Walker Andy has been keeping bees on Arran for more than 20 years. He moved to the island with his family in 1999 to work for the Forestry Commission and, although now retired, continues to work part-time in timber production. Alongside producing a range of award-winning honeys, Andy also uses beeswax from his hives to create a variety of natural products sold across the island under the label of . /episode/index/show/agricology/id/41687120

Agroecology Around Arran: Following the Grain 06/11/2026

Agroecology Around Arran: Following the Grain In this episode, we explore arable farming on Arran, tracing the journey of locally grown grain from field to fork and glass. We begin at Bellevue Farm, where farmer Donald Currie grows malting barley on Arran’s fertile soils. From there, we follow the grain north to Lochranza Distillery, where Brand Ambassador Fred Baumgärtner explains how locally grown barley is transformed into the island’s world-renowned whisky. We finish our journey at Blackwater Bakehouse, where baker George Grassie shares his passion for artisan breadmaking, heritage grains, sustainability, health and nutrient-dense food. The phrase “follow the grain” is often used to describe the process of working with the natural direction of a material, or within the constraints of your environment, rather than forcing a direction that leads to resistance and damage. We learn how this ethos is reflected in the agroecological approach embraced across Arran. From the field to the distillery and bakery, we hear how farmers, bakers and distillers work with the opportunities and constraints of the island’s climate, soils and landscapes, allowing the local environment to shape their practices rather than trying to overcome it. Episode guests Donald Currie Donald Currie is an arable and beef farmer who produces barley for malting at and other sites around the island. Fred Baumgärtner Fred Baumgärtner is the Brand Home Ambassador for the Isle of Arran Distillers, the company responsible for producing award-winning whisky at both and . Born and bred on Arran, Fred now leads whisky tasting tours and experiences at the distillery for hundreds of visitors each year, and travels the world showcasing the island’s products. George Grassie George Grassie is an artisan baker who has been running for the past five years. Born and raised on Arran, George spent several years living on the mainland and abroad before returning to the island with his young family. Today, the Bakehouse produces fresh artisan bread using high-quality Scottish-grown organic flour and heritage grains, and has recently expanded into a new site in Brodick. /episode/index/show/agricology/id/41608845

Agroecology Around Arran: Arran's Dairy Story 06/04/2026

Agroecology Around Arran: Meat and Livestock Farming 05/28/2026

Agroecology Around Arran: Meat and Livestock Farming From the early days of crofting and subsistence farming to the present day, animal protein has provided an essential and highly valuable source of nutrients for Arran’s population. While sheep and beef production have always been central to Arran’s farming economy, venison is now also being embraced as a sustainable protein source that can help to combat the growing threat that the wild deer population poses to island ecosystems. In this first episode of our new series , we explore how the production of meat on Arran embraces the ethos of agroecology, how farmers are working together to reduce carbon emissions from livestock farming, and what we can learn from their example. Guests Alistair Currie Alistair talks to us about his livestock farm based in the Shiskine Valley. He maintains a herd of around around 30 native-breed beef cattle which are fed on pasture and home-grown silage. Colin Currie Colin Currie is an upland hill farmer who has been farming sheep and beef at Bridge Farm with his wife Laura since the 1970s. Bridge Farm is situated within a SSSI-designated site that is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Colin uses his innate knowledge of the land to create a low-input livestock system that has allowed him to reduce reliance on external markets, maximise animal welfare, and work in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem. Zoë Hughes Zoë Hughes runs with her partner Chris. Their work aims to honour the deer that are harvested alongside protecting the natural landscape on Arran and strengthening the local food chain. Zoë is passionate about sustainable, affordable meat that has a positive impact on the environment. Wild Isle Venison works to reconnect producers and consumers, processing venison in small batches and selling to local residents, chefs and businesses across the island. Alec Pirie is a Senior Consultant and Area Manager for SAC Consulting. Alec works with over 120 clients across Scotland and has a particular interest in carbon, climate and conservation. He has also recently completed a Master's degree in Wildlife, Conservation and Management. Alec started the group in 2019. This aim of this group of farmers is to quantify the island's agricultural carbon footprint and take collective action to improve it. Find out more about the series . /episode/index/show/agricology/id/41437335