But there are chances out there

Roxburghe Estates yesterday announced the letting of two stock farms to new entrants with the Yett farm, a hill farm of 1,210 acres in the Cheviot Hills near Hownam, Kelso, going to Derek and Ann Redpath, from Stow, and Swinside Townfoot farm, a stock farm of 415 acres near Oxnam, Jedburgh, to Peter and Vicki Hedley from Otterburn, Northumberland.

The Yett, with a 650 Blackface ewe hefted flock, is let on a 15-year limited duration tenancy to Derek, who has worked as a shepherd since leaving agricultural college and has been looking for a suitable opportunity to farm on his own for the past five years.

Swinside Townfoot is let on a short limited duration tenancy for two years initially, with longer-term options being considered.

Peter has previously farmed in partnership with his father but has been looking to farm on his own account for the past two years.

ANDREW ARBUCKLE