Mackay Growth: The Sustainable Farming Pathway

Farm Facts

• 1,200 acre mixed farming business
• Rotation includes Winter wheat and Spring barley
• 730 acres owned and 345 acres of Secure Agricultural Tenancy and contract farming 125 acres
• 60 acres of permanent grass utilised for grazing
• 48,000 layers, expanding to 80,000 with packhouse
• On-farm 2 x 11kW wind turbine, 50kW Solar Array

Nestled near Nairn in Morayshire, North Scotland, the Mackay family has been growing their farming business there for four generations. With a strong relationship with HSBC UK since 2015, the family partnership comprises Alistair, Louise, and their son Matthew Mackay. Together the family run a 1,200-acre mixed farming enterprise, from their home farm, Brackla, and manage additional land in Elgin, with a focus on arable production and free-range poultry.

The Mackays have leveraged HSBC UK’s support to expand their farming operations over the last decade, particularly the free-range poultry enterprise. This began with the establishment of a 16,000 free-range unit in 2010, followed by two additional 16,000 bird units in 2016 and 2020. This investment has enabled them to supply to both local retailers and wholesalers across the Scottish Highlands.

Engaging in sustainable farming practices has been a growing priority for Matthew, and they have participated in various agri-environment schemes and invested in solar panels and wind turbines for renewable energy. This year, the Mackays completed a LEAF Sustainable Farming Review (LSFR), a self-assessment tool which allowed them to benchmark the farm’s progress in sustainability and create an action plan for continuous improvement. Matthew commented that ‘the process was straightforward’ and he already had most of the required farm records from their involvement in previous farm management schemes. By completing the LSFR, the business became eligible for HSBC UK’s Sustainable Farming Pathway (SFP) product, which offers discounted arrangement fees.

This allowed the Mackays to secure the £2.1m SFP loan from HSBC UK to support the development of a new 32,000 free-range laying poultry unit. By using SFP for this loan, they were able to not only expand their poultry enterprise further and also save money due to the discounted fees. Matthew explained that he plans to leverage these savings to pursue further solar panel installations, in line with their vision to continuously improve their sustainability efforts on the farm.

Looking ahead, Matthew aims to achieve LEAF Marque certification for their business, leveraging this to market their own-branded eggs. Other forward plans include expanding renewable energy use and using bespoke layer flock management software to support decision making, including undertaking a carbon audit.

The Mackays have demonstrated determination and flexibility over the years to continue improving the business. Matthew ‘encourages other farmers to view sustainability as an opportunity rather than just a responsibility’. He emphasised the importance of self-assessment for farmers looking to adapt their businesses sustainably, highlighting that any small change can be beneficial. With HSBC UK's support through SFP, they have navigated challenges and seized opportunities for growth.

For more information visit HSBC Sustainable Farming Pathway | HSBC UK.

Today we finance a number of industries that significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. We have a strategy to help our customers to reduce their emissions and to reduce our own. For more information visit www.hsbc.com/sustainability.