At Glensaugh the darkest days of the year have coincided with the early onset of winter. Regular night frosts have been a feature of recent weeks and Loch Saugh has been frozen over for some time. Falls of snow from frontal weather systems have also occurred and the winter looks more “traditional” than we’ve seen for some time.

On the farm we are continuing to sell from our small remaining pool of lambs and cast ewes, most of which have been finished on our field of forage rape. In January a number of Cheviot ewes will be moved to the Roslin Institute for further study, by which time our sheep numbers should have reached their seasonal low. Most of our cows have now been housed and a routine blood test for Johnes disease will be carried out as soon as the handling pens are free of ice.

Our wind turbine planning application may be determined soon; we have now submitted the last of the documents requested by the planners, a series of photomontages of the proposed development which have been prepared for us and demonstrate how insignificant our small turbine looks in the environment. Meanwhile our grant application has reached its committee stage, but the outcome is unlikely to be known for at least a month.

Our plans to renovate the flats within Glensaugh Lodge are also moving forward and we have instructed a local firm of architects to seek tenders for the work and the requisite statutory consents.

Finally thanks to all who have participated in an eventful twelve months. During 2008 we have run some interesting experimental projects and have continued to maintain and develop Glensaugh’s infrastructure base. Useful groundwork has been done for the future development of the site and the Institute has demonstrated its commitment to developing Glensaugh for the longer term. While looking forward to a busy and constructive 2009, in the meantime we wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas.