SCOTLAND’S oldest firm of land agents and agricultural advisors has staked new territory in the north of England, led by former Scotland rugby internationalist, Fergus Thomson.

Davidson and Robertson Rural (DRR) have made a push over the English border line to touch down at a new regional office in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, where it will be offering its services to farmers – tenants and owner-occupiers – and estate clients throughout Berwickshire, Roxburghshire, East Lothian and North Northumberland.

Mr Thomson, who offers a wide range of land agency expertise, will head up the new location, supported by agricultural consultants, forestry experts and rural business advisors across DRR’s network. The new office is located on the Ramparts business park, which is well known to the local farming community as home to many agricultural supply businesses, with easy access to the A1.

Having grown up on his family farm in Fife, Fergus spent 10 years as a professional rugby player for Scotland and Glasgow Warriors, before returning to study, where he completed a master’s degree in Land Economy and Rural Surveying at the University of Aberdeen. Married to Tamsin, a Berwickshire farmer’s daughter, they live on the family farm near Reston, where Tamsin has established her artist’s studio.

“Following Brexit, the agricultural industry on both sides of the border is facing unprecedented changes," he said. "I would urge farmers in the area to give me a call, we have a team of advisors who can offer advice and planning support to help businesses to face up to the looming challenges, and take advantage of opportunities that may materialise.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunities that heading up the new office will bring, as well as meeting some new names and faces in the area. DRR will continued to provide a wide range of rural professional services to farmers, tenants and estate owners across Scotland and the north of England.”