Passion combined with the drive to succeed, along with practical knowledge for the sector, is what John Reid of Morningside Rural Consultants brings to the table for his clients.
A deep understanding of both the business and the heart of Scottish agriculture has made him one of the most respected voices in the sector, and this year, it earned him the title of Agricultural Adviser of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Agriculture Awards.
But for John, the recognition is less about trophies and more about the journey that led him here, one built on hard work, hands-on experience, and an unwavering belief that good advice should be practical, honest, and rooted in the land itself.
Hailing from the village of Cleland in Lanarkshire, John spent his early years helping out on neighboroughing farms, which sparked his initial interest. “I was always hanging around Spindleside Farm, whether it be after school, during holidays, or the odd day I was playing truant!”
That early enthusiasm for livestock and machinery never faded. “My wife says I’ve got ‘shiny metal disease’, and she’s probably right. I’m happiest when welding something, or working with diggers and tractors, and I still enjoy going to livestock sales and shows whenever I can.”
Having done well at school, John’s teachers assumed he’d pursue a more traditionally academic professional path. But farming had already taken hold of his imagination. “Some teachers told me I was wasting an academic talent going into agriculture,” he says. “I think I’ve proved them wrong.”
Choosing to study agriculture at Auchincruive, completing a HND course, John states: “It was a fantastic time in my life. I’d recommend studying at SRUC to any young person with an interest in farming. I still have many friends from those days – a good number of them are now clients, which means we still get to catch up regularly.”
Upon completion of the course, John spent the first 18 years of his career with the Scottish Government’s department of agriculture, working in a variety of roles but always farming focused.
From there, he moved into the forestry industry, and was involved in land clearance, harvesting and mulching operations, managing both the practical work and the finances.
After his mentor, and sometimes ‘tormentor’, in that business passed away, he sold the company and took a year out to reassess. That period of reflection proved pivotal. A contract role followed at Savills in its utilities division, dealing with reinstatement claims and acting as a bridge between landowners and large utility companies.
“It didn’t take long to realise where my sympathies lay,” John explains. “I wanted to be standing up for the farmers, not the corporations.
“Initially I was helping farmers and landowners ensure their land was properly reinstated after intrusive works by utility companies or acquiring authorities. Sadly, land is still too often left in a poorer condition after such projects, and I’m proud to help put that right.”
In 2020, he founded Morningside Rural Consultants (MRC), providing services including land acquisitions for carbon purposes, agricultural advice, forestry advice, farm records, and compensation claims. That range reflects John’s belief that modern farming is about much more than subsidy forms, but rather about business planning, land use, financial viability and long-term strategic thinking.
John is clear that his advisory work ‘leans more towards the business and land management side rather than subsidy applications’, adding: “There are consultants who specialise in subsidy schemes and keep their finger on the pulse of policy developments, while I prefer to focus on business planning, land surveys, compulsory purchase and infrastructure projects, renewable energy, road schemes and reinstatement work.”
He also undertakes forestry investment work, matching the right land to the right investor. “Forestry, when done properly, is simply another crop, and in the right place, it can be both financially and environmentally rewarding.”
There’s no standard nine to five for John, with a typical working day starting early. “I find those quiet hours the most productive before the phone starts ringing.”
His time is split roughly 50-50 between the office and being out on farms. John has embraced technology, now using a UTV for site access and a drone to assess land from above. “That aerial view often gives a far clearer picture of the extent of any damage or drainage issues,” he states.
Despite his busy schedule, John is committed to supporting young entrants into farming when possible, and is realistic about the challenge facing them.
“The current tendering process is not kind to them. It’s often a case of who has the deepest pockets rather than who has the drive, skill, or vision to make a holding viable,” he points out.
“ Beyond his paid client work, John also remains active in the local farming community through attending shows, supporting Young Farmers events, and mentoring younger people starting in the sector.
“Seeing that enthusiasm for farming and rural life reminds me why I started in the first place,” he adds.
“The future of Scottish agriculture is bright. We have great natural resources, outstanding people, and exceptional produce. Our industry is built on resilience, that ability to get up each morning, pull on the boots and get the job done. It’s something we should be proud of.”
Reflecting on the award, John states: “It was one of the proudest moments of my life.”
He described the awards process as ‘a fantastic experience from start to finish. From being nominated to making the shortlist, it was a real honour, and I particularly enjoyed the interview stage with the judges’.
Winning has already had an impact. “I wasn’t planning to take on staff,” he says, “but with the increased workload and attention since the award, I have someone in mind with the same work ethic and passion for agriculture – I hope they’ll be part of the team soon.”
For John, the award is not an endpoint – it is a platform to reach more farmers and landowners who might benefit from sound advice. “I hope this recognition helps me reach even more people who need advice, guidance, or just a chat about their options,” he says: “If I can’t help directly, I’ll always do my best to point them towards someone who can.”
John is rooted in the authenticity of his work, stating: “Farming is an industry that’s evolving, but at its heart it’s still about people, land and livestock, and that’s where I feel most at home. My goal is always to find fair, workable solutions that respect the realities of modern agriculture while keeping business decisions grounded in common sense.”
John Reid’s journey, from a youngster hanging around farms to a nationally recognised agricultural adviser, illustrates the power of combining hands-on experience with future-focused consultancy.
For those who own, manage or dream of working land in Scotland, that combination may be one of the most valuable resources available.
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