Glensaugh had a very heavy snowfall at the end of February which plunged us back into winter. Storm feeding of sheep became necessary for the second time in the winter and required man-hauling of tarpaulins (which make good sledges) loaded with hay over the frozen drifts until all of the ewes cold be brought together at the hay shed. While inconvenient, the hill blackface is well adapted to this environment and the days following the storm have been exceptionally fine. These ewes have now been pregnancy scanned and although slightly leaner than normal are bearing a similar lamb crop to that of 2009.

Ski tourers returning to Glensaugh through the Redstones

During the fine days following the storm unusually good ski touring conditions made it possible to traverse the local hills. The tourers in the photograph had skied over from Durris near the top of the Slug road, and on the following day continued over the hills to Ballater.

Calving of our suckler cows is now well under way and we have reached the busy mid calving period. Calved and uncalved cows have now been separated and the rations to the uncalved increased to meet the demands of their growing young.

Wind turbine lifted into position

The wind turbine project has reached its final stage. The turbine itself arrived from Canada in two shipping containers on 8 March. Assembly took place immediately and the turbine was lifted on to its mountings on 10 March, in exceptionally fine weather. Instrument panels will now be connected and the turbine should be operational within a few days. A little wind would be helpful to make it go. This anomalous winter has been one of the least windy on record.