ALEX COLQUHOUN Ltd, a third generation family-owned dairy farm in Montrose, is pushing on with the environmentally-friendly agenda, purchasing ground source heat pumps and a biomass boiler with the help of a six figure funding package from HSBC.

Gregor Colquhoun, owner, and grandson of Alex Colquhoun who established the farm after the Second World War, estimates the savings gained from the new purchase will be close to £70,000 per year in bedding costs.

Over the past five years the farm, which has 720 milking cows over 840 acres, has gradually introduced renewables tech, including a wind turbine, solar panels and a second biomass boiler, alongside a recent expansion and renovation of the existing sheds, all secured thanks to HSBC funding.

Gregor said: “We were looking to invest and diversify our offering, by becoming more self-sufficient and reducing our carbon impact. HSBC understood our long-term plans and their support has been crucial in turning our vision into a reality.”

Agriculture director at HSBC, John Robertson, added: “Alex Colquhoun Ltd has been a HSBC customer for five years and in that time we have worked together to introduce a number of environmental and cost saving measures to the business. The latest initiative is another exciting step for Gregor and his team, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this deal.”