Thrill Of The Hill

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Aug 2026

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This is a podcast about hill farming in Scotland, brought to you by the Scottish Farm Advisory Service. Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service is funded by the Scottish Government. Our podcast covers a range of topics which help support your farm or croft to be more profitable and sustainable.

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August 20, 202648 min

Beyond the Hedgerow: Biodiversity Auditing in Scotland

Biodiversity auditing has become part of the Scottish Governments Whole Farm Plan and discussions around nature conservation are becoming commonplace around the farm table. In today’s episode Alex is joined by senior ecologist Dr Lorna Cole for a broad discussion on the state of Scotlands Nature and where biodiversity auditing fits into the bigger ambitions for nature restoration. Lorna also puts Alex in the hot seat to talk about levels of farmer agreement with habitat classifications. This episode is brought to you by the Farm Advisory Service, presented by Alexander Pirie, produced by Heather Stuart, edited by Kieron Sim, with executive producers Kirstyn Blackwood and Kerry Hammond. Timestamps 01.48 Introducing Dr Lorna Cole 02.36 Current state of nature in Scotland 07.19 How significant is agricultural land in combating biodiversity decline 13.24 Biodiversity auditing 19.40 Completing your habitat map 23.54 Alex – level of agreement between farmers and consultants in regard to habitat identification for the Whole Farm Plan 29.37 NatureScot Farm Biodiversity Scotland App 34.30 Submitting your biodiversity audit 36.28 Biodiversity audit – where to start 40.22 The value in Biodiversity Auditing 43.05 An opportunity to demonstrate the contribution agriculture is already making to nature 44.15 Lorna’s take home message Resources State of Nature Scotland - 2023 report NatureScot - biodiversity app Whole Farm Plan full guidance Events | Farm Advisory Service Improving Biodiversity on Your Farm | Helping farmers in Scotland Increasing Biodiversity to Build Resilient Farms | Helping farmers in Scotland Using technology to record biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland Lorna.Cole@sac.co.uk For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

July 16, 202644 min

Beef, Business and Beyond

The beef industry in Scotland is resilient and adaptable, whether it’s changing markets and cost of production pressures, policy developments or the new entrant bottleneck. To help us navigate these topics and many more, today we are joined by Senior Beef Specialist Gavin Hill to discuss the outlook for the beef sector. This episode is brought to you by the Farm Advisory Service, presented by Alexander Pirie, produced by Heather Stuart, edited by Kieron Sim, with executive producers Kirstyn Blackwood and Kerry Hammond. Timestamps 01.48 Introducing Gavin Hill 02.58 What’s topical in the beef sector at the moment 10.57 Factors impacting price movements 15.32 Impact of international conflicts on the industry 16.36 Policy and regulatory changes 19.11 Outlook for cattle numbers 25.00 Labour 27.55 The world situation can change all the time 29.50 Scotch Beef is a unique product 31.40 Farmers responding to environmental policy 34.18 Outlook for the industry, short and longer term 36.47 Risks that we should be prepared for 39.38 Opportunities for the sector 41.20 Gavins take home message Resources Livestock resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service Thrill Of The Hill RSS Feed (Virtually Stock Proof 21.10.22, Virtual fencing 24.09.20) Gavin.Hill@sac.co.uk For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

June 18, 202648 min

Where Waders Wander

Welcome to The Thrill of The Hill. Today we're talking about one of Scotland's most iconic groups of farmland birds – our waders. Species such as lapwing, curlew, redshank and snipe have long been part of the Scottish farming landscape. Their calls and displays are synonymous with springtime on farms and crofts across the country, yet many of these species have experienced significant declines over recent decades. Toby Wilson from RSPB Scotland joins us to discuss what is driving these changes, what practical management can help reverse them, and how current funding schemes can support farmers and crofters who want to make space for nature alongside productive agriculture. Timestamps 01.17 Introducing Toby Wilson (RSPB Senior Conservation Officer) 02.43 How agricultural landscapes fit into wider wildlife conservation 04.23 The importance of farmers and crofters for delivering nature conservation outcomes 06.44 Farm Wildlife Walks 10.02 The Forth Estuary 15.18 Habitat value of coastal marshland for waders 16.55 The importance of a supporting mosaic of habitats 19.24 Wader numbers in Scotland and some of the main pressures affecting waders 25.55 Habitat connectivity specifically for waders 29.22 What gives Toby hope 33.51 Nature Scot – Nature Restoration Fund 41.50 The future for waders in Scotland 44.34 Toby’s take home messages Resources RSPB Scotland Working for Waders Making a difference for waders in the Cairngorms Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) | NatureScot New strongholds for wader recovery proposed | NatureScot Agri-Environment Climate Scheme Farm Wildlife Walks 2026 | Helping farmers in Scotland toby.wilson@rspb.co.uk For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

May 21, 202646 min

A Damming Conclusion? Part III

Welcome to The Thrill of The Hill. This is the third and final episode in our series exploring beaver reintroduction in Scotland. Across the last two episodes, we’ve looked at the challenges, concerns, and practical realities beavers bring to land management. Today, we’re joined by farmer and rewilding advocate Tom Bowser from Lerrocks farm and we’ll be focusing on the other side of the story — the ecological case for beavers, the benefits they can bring, and what a future with more beavers in Scotland might look like. Timestamps 02.28 Introducing Tom Bowser 07.28 Why are beavers worth having back in Scotland? 08.36 Beavers: ecosystem engineers and keystone species 12.40 Beavers, the most controversial animal that we have at the moment? 14.10 Practical benefits of beavers 22.03 Biodiversity and hairy bottomed handstands! 27.23 Balancing the benefits with the challenges 32.49 NatureScot beaver team and available assistance 37.04 Where are we likely to see beavers in the future? 43.08 Food production and nature restoration, not always opposing forces FAS Resources Thrill of the Hill Episode 12: A Damming Conclusion? https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a1a41750-26db-4341-8783-2aa9443a34c3 Thrill of the Hill Episode 2: A Damming Conclusion? Part II https://player.captivate.fm/episode/34096505-af92-46c9-8a66-6ee445383126 FAS - Rewilding Beavers FAS Farm Wildlife Walk Other Related Resources Argaty Red Kites – Rewilding Experiences in the Heart of Scotland Tom Bowser – Nature Writer, Journalist, Public Speaker Beavers in Scotland | NatureScot For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

February 19, 202635 min

Where Policy Meets Pasture - The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme with David Brown

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. At Scotland's First Nature Friendly Farming Summit, Minister Jim Fairlie announced the return of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme for a 2026 funding round and a commitment to continue the scheme through to 2030. This announcement brought a degree of certainty to the policy landscape and has allowed farmers and crofters to plan for the future and how the industry continues to embed and build nature into their businesses. Fresh off the release of the approval lists for the 2025 funding round, in this episode we sit down with Environmental Consultant and Lead on the Ecology Knowledge Network, David Brown from SAC Consulting to discuss the successes of the scheme historically and look forward to what this new round will bring. We cover changes to eligibility criteria, spatial targeting, scoring and more – stressing the importance of getting the right advice and getting it early. David also speaks passionately about his involvement with the Farm Wildlife Walks initiative and the willingness of farmers and crofters to meet the challenge of nature decline head on. Want to get in touch with David? You can get a hold of him via telephone on 01835 342919 or by email at david.brown@sac.co.uk . FAS Resources Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) - FAS https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/agri-environmental-climate-scheme-aecs/ Other Related Resources Agri-Environment Climate Scheme https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/agri-environment-climate-scheme/

January 15, 202650 min

Counting Carbon - Auditing the Uplands with James Orr

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. Reducing carbon emissions is becoming an increasingly important consideration for upland and hill farmers across Scotland. As climate targets, evolving support schemes and market expectations continue to shape the future of agriculture, farmers are being asked not only to produce food from some of the country’s most challenging landscapes, but to do so in ways that recognise and enhance their role in climate mitigation. In these extensive systems, decisions around livestock management, soils, grassland and habitats all influence a farm’s overall carbon footprint and long-term resilience. Upland and hill farms are often characterised by low inputs, permanent pasture and semi-natural habitats, meaning they already deliver significant environmental value. However, understanding where emissions arise — and where carbon can be stored — is key to making informed, practical changes. From improving animal efficiency and grazing management to protecting peatland and making targeted investments, there are opportunities for farmers to reduce emissions while strengthening business performance. In this episode, we sit down with Senior Consultant and Lead on the Carbon Dynamics Knowledge Network, James Orr from SAC Consulting to explore what carbon reduction really looks like in upland and hill farming systems. James shares his perspective on the actions farmers can take now, the investments most likely to deliver benefits, and how measuring and understanding carbon footprints can support better decision-making. He also speaks passionately about the impacts of peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange and together, we discuss how hill farmers can work with their land, build resilience into their businesses, and ensure they are recognised as a vital part of Scotland’s climate solution. Want to get in touch with James? You can get a hold of him via telephone on 01292 525010 or by email at james.orr@sac.co.uk . Related FAS Resources Rural Roundup - 1. Unsung Heroes – Littleton Farm - Biodiversity (Weeds) | FAS Rural Roundup - 2. Unsung Heroes - Temples Farm – Data (Genomics) | FAS Rural Roundup - 3. Unsung Heroes – Park Farm - Dairy Technology (Robots & Solar PV) | FAS Rural Roundup - 4. Unsung Heroes – Birks Farm - Efficiency (Calving at Two) | FAS Rural Roundup - 5. Unsung Heroes – Haggs Farm – Machinery (Slurry Separator) | FAS Rural Roundup - 6. Unsung Heroes - Agriculture’s Position in the Climate Change Conversation | FAS FAS Connect | Helping farmers in Scotland

December 18, 202556 min

Are You In or Out? Cattle Wintering Strategies with Lorna Shaw

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. Cattle wintering is an unavoidable and hugely important aspect of livestock management in Scotland. Whether stock are housed in traditional courts or managed outdoors on forage crops, wintering systems sit at the heart of animal performance, farm workload and long-term land stewardship. These decisions are not only about keeping cattle fed and sheltered; they influence soil structure, nutrient use, biodiversity and business resilience in a climate where winters can be long, wet and increasingly unpredictable. In-wintering cattle offers farmers greater control over nutrition, health management, and environmental conditions. Housing cattle can reduce exposure to harsh weather, support targeted feeding strategies, and make it easier to monitor body condition and wellbeing, particularly in youngstock or higher-value animals. For many farms, in-wintering also helps protect vulnerable soils, reducing poaching and allowing fields to rest during the wetter months. Out-wintering, whether on deferred grass, forage crops, or purpose-designed out-wintering pads, comes with its own advantages. Lower housing and machinery costs, reduced slurry handling, and the potential for improved cow fitness are significant attractions. Many farmers also value the labour efficiencies of out-wintering systems. When well-managed and matched to land capability, out-wintering can help reduce input costs and support more nature-friendly grazing practices — though careful attention to ground conditions, shelter and welfare is essential. In this episode, we sit down with Beef and Sheep Specialist, Lorna Shaw for a broad discussion on the options available to farmers and crofters while considering whether to in or out-winter cattle and how to balance key management considerations, like land capability, infrastructure and performance targets. At the same time we'll cover how best to work with the landscape, protect from environmental damage and blend practicality with innovation and sustainable land management. Want to get in touch with Lorna? You can get a hold of her via telephone on 01738 505069 or by email at lorna.shaw@sac.co.uk . Related Resources Stock Talk - James Biggar & Lorna Galloway | FAS

November 20, 202554 min

Happening Organically - Supporting Organic Farming in Scotland

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. Organic farming is woven through Scotland’s landscapes, from the rolling fields of Aberdeenshire to the upland pastures of Argyll. Rooted in principles of soil health, biodiversity and local resilience, organic systems work with nature rather than against it—building fertility through crop rotations, clover leys and composts, and managing pests with balance instead of chemicals. The result is more than just food without synthetic inputs; it’s a way of farming that supports wildlife, protects water and strengthens rural communities. From certified producers under the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) to advisory work led by the Soil Association, organic farming in Scotland continues to evolve, combining tradition, innovation and environmental stewardship to meet the challenges of modern agriculture. In this episode, we sit down with two special guest speakers, Debs Roberts joins us from SOPA and David MacKay joins us from the Soil Association to walk us through the benefits of going organic, the process and how the market is developing in Scotland and further afield - in a conversation that is more collaboration than clash of the titans. We also talk about the announced return of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) and David reflects on his time at Scotland's first Nature Friendly Farming Summit. Want to get in touch with Debs or David? Contact SOPA via telephone at 0300 7729795 or email at info@sopa.org.uk . Contact Soil Association via telephone at 0131 3708150 or email at contact@soilassociation.org . Related FAS Resources Organics Discussion Group from the Farm Advisory Service Related Other Resources Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) Soil Association

October 16, 202542 min

Flying Blind - Conservation Management for Bats with Harry Fisher

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. Bats are a defining—if often unseen—part of Scotland’s working landscapes. From the edges of upland pasture to lowland hedgerows, shelterbelts and farm ponds, these nocturnal insect-eaters weave through dusk and darkness, helping to regulate moths, midges and beetles while signalling the health of our wider environment. Species like the common and soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat and Daubenton’s bat use farms for roosting, commuting and feeding, linking woodlands, water and field margins into living networks. Yet changes in building use, loss of hedgerows, brighter yard lighting and reduced insect abundance can make life harder for these protected mammals and the benefits they bring. In this episode, ecologist and environmental consultant Harry Fisher from SAC Consulting Ltd walks us through practical, farm-ready actions: keeping and restoring hedgerows as flight corridors; creating or managing ponds and wetlands; planning yard lighting to reduce glare and skyglow; timing roofing and renovation work to protect roosts; and planning activities through the calendar year. We’ll also look at simple additions like bat boxes, how to spot signs of bat activity, where to find advice, and how agri-environment options and local projects can help with costs and guidance. Want to get in touch with Harry? Contact him via telephone at 01292 525090 for advice on surveys, roost considerations during building works, and habitat improvements suited to your farm. Related FAS Resources Bats and Biodiversity | Helping farmers in Scotland Other Related Resources Home - Bat Conservation Trust

September 18, 202553 min

When the Rivers Run Free - Restoring Our Waterways with Struan Candlish

Thrill of the Hill is back for season 6! Armed with a new team, new ideas and a range of new speakers, Alex takes on the hot topics impacting the farmed upland environment. The water environment is one of the defining features of the Scottish landscape, shaping both its character and its ecological richness. Rivers, lochs, wetlands and coastal waters weave through glens and straths, carving valleys, feeding fertile soils and sustaining a remarkable variety of wildlife. They provide vital habitats for species such as salmon, trout and eels, which have long been part of Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, while also supporting birds, mammals and plants that thrive in and around freshwater. But historic practices meant to improve productive activity and improve our management of water has proven detrimental some species, obstructive them from travel up and downstream, meaning that overtime, our rivers have become less dynamic and alive. In this episode Struan Candlish from the Ayrshire Rivers Trust talks us through the actions needed to restore our rivers and the benefits and incentives for farmers, crofters and land managers. Want to get in touch with Struan? He can be contacted at Ayrshire Rivers Trust via email enquiries at struan@ayrshireriverstrust.org . Related FAS Resources Scotland's Priority Catchments | Helping farmers in Scotland Alternative watering for field grazed livestock | Helping farmers in Scotland Water Margins | Helping farmers in Scotland

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