Midfearn’s legacy powers on through green energy

With a rich history dating back to 1893, when the estate was originally purchased by the Brooke family, the farm has evolved significantly over the years.

Initially a peaceful getaway from the family’s milling business in Huddersfield, the estate has transformed into a hub of agricultural innovation, with renewable energy practices at the forefront of its operations.

Midfearn's hydro plants generate enough clean energy to power over 1,000 homes Neil Shaw, the farm manager, helps maintain the hydroelectric schemes which have been in place since 2006. The decision to invest in hydroelectric power was a natural one, as the estate is uniquely positioned with rivers running on both sides of the property and has been harnessing this energy since 1921.

Neil explains: “We’ve got rivers on either side of the estate, so it made sense to capitalise on the opportunity.”

These schemes have proven to be highly effective, with one system generating one megawatt of power, while another smaller system at the farm produces 500 kilowatts. Both plants export the power to the grid providing energy for more than a thousand homes.

In addition to these modern hydroelectric plants, Midfearn also relies on an older system, which dates back to 1921. While smaller, at just 45 kilowatts, this historic hydro scheme continues to power the estate’s stadium and farmhouse during the winter months when water flow is highest.

“It’s a simple system, water coming down a pipe turns a wheel, and that’s it,” says Neil, reflecting on the timeless simplicity of hydroelectric power.

The investment in renewable energy is not limited to hydroelectricity. Wind power also plays a vital role at Midfearn. In 2006, Scottish Power installed wind turbines on Midfearn.

Following the proof of concept by Scottish Power, Charlie Brooke, the late owner of Midfearn, took it a step further by building two wind turbines of his own. This was a significant investment and risk which defined his commitment to sustainability, entrepreneurship and innovation. These bold decisions have transformed the estate and leave a lasting impact on the estate’s renewable energy strategy.

Charlie’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident long before the introduction of wind and hydro power. After returning to the estate in the 1970s, he quickly recognised the high-risk high-reward potential of fish farming, utilising the estate’s water resources to create a hatchery for rainbow trout and later a successful salmon farm which he ran for nearly 40 years.

While fish farming eventually gave way to wind and hydro, it was a key part of Charlie’s early diversification efforts. “Charlie was always looking for ways to reinvest in the estate,” Neil notes. “He believed in trying new things, and if they worked, great - if not, he’d move on to the next idea.”

One of the most memorable chapters of Charlie’s fish farming journey involved his attempt to farm eels, which were sent to market in London. A particularly disastrous flight, where the eels escaped from their container mid-flight, ended this venture but at least added a story to dine out on!

Charlie’s ingenuity was also showcased when he discovered an opportunity to purchase damaged fibre glass pipes from Invergordon Harbour which he happened to spot one day driving past, so he enquired what they were doing there. These pipes were destined for another hydro scheme but were damaged in transit and rejected. As the pipelines are a significant cost in the overall project, Charlie spied an opportunity to make a significant saving for his own project.

Charlie and his team spent two years refurbishing the pipes having designed a bespoke production line to cut and shape the ends. The new hydro systems - once completed - became a cornerstone of the estate’s renewable energy practices.

Beyond these initiatives, Charlie’s ventures extended to the founding of Highland Heating Savers, a company that provided solid fuel cookers and stoves across northern Scotland during a period of high oil prices, as well as being a pioneer of the concept that we know today as ‘farm-to-fork’ – he started North Highland Fine Lamb which sought to cut out middle men and sold lamb direct to London restaurants and hotels..

The estate remains an example of how agriculture and renewable energy can work hand in hand to create a more sustainable future.

The next chapter in Midfearn’s history will be marked by the NSA Highland Sheep event, set to take place on Wednesday, June 11.

This one-day event, organised by NSA Scotland to complement the biennial NSA Scotsheep event, will welcome visitors from across Scotland and the wider UK. The event will feature trade and sheep stands, seminars, demonstrations, educational exhibits, competitions, and much more.

With its focus on sustainability and innovation, Midfearn Farm is the perfect backdrop for the event, offering insight into the future of farming and renewables in action.