Blether Together with Farmstrong Scotland

Farmstrong Scotland

Stories from farmers and crofters across Scotland, to support your wellbeing and share their top tips. A small change can make a big difference, so you can live well, and farm and croft well. Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. It is a peer-to-peer programme, driven by science and real-life stories. Together, we can share, learn and support our wellbeing. You can visit Farmstrong Scotland online to find more information: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/

  1. Jul 1

    Joe Barker from Yorkshire: wellbeing champion

    Joe Barker published a video on TikTok in the aftermath of his 21st birthday, talking about wellbeing, and how he has struggled in recent years with his mental health and the pressures of family illness and managing the farm. The online response was huge - and he's become a champion for wellbeing, regularly posting videos with tips, advice and honest chat. He's @JoeBarkerfromYorkshire on social channels (even though he now farms in Lanarkshire), and posts on YouTube as Real Talk Rural. In this episode, recorded at the Farmstrong Scotland stand at the Royal Highland Show, Joe's chatting with producer Dave Howard. --- Important note: there is brief discussion of suicide in this episode. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, it's important that you talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. --- How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk

  2. Jun 23

    Caroline Millar MBE on prioritising wellbeing

    A true Scottish agriculture powerhouse, Caroline Millar opens up about the warning signs that made her realise it was time to prioritise her wellbeing, and how inspiration from New Zealand's approach to farming life led her to make lasting changes. In this candid chat, first recorded for World Mental Health Day 2025, Caroline also shares the practical steps she's taken to build a healthier, more balanced life - for herself, her family, and the people she works with. Listen now - and share with someone who needs a boost. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123 Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk

  3. Jun 3

    Family before farming: Jenny McKerr of the Wee Farm Distillery

    Have you ever met a gin farmer? That's how Jenny McKerr of the Wee Farm Distillery introduces herself. This episode is Jenny's story of how she and her husband Stephen have spent the last 10 years building up their business - a farm, a farm shop, and a distillery - as first-generation farmers on 45 acres in South Lanarkshire. It's been a lot of work - but Jenny is also careful to prioritise family time, and says she always gets off farm when she needs to. In 2026, she is a proud recipient of the very prestigious Kings Award for Sustainable Development. She has been involved in the Rural Leadership programme. She was at SRUC, and is a member of Scottish Agritourism. Find the Wee Farm Distillery online here. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk

  4. May 13

    Introducing our 'Foundations of Mental Strength' programme

    This episode is packed with info about Farmstrong Scotland's 'Foundations of Mental Health' programme - a direct response to findings from our recent surveys. More than one in three respondents reported low levels of wellbeing - with scores falling below the national average across all age groups. 'Foundations of Mental Strength' - or FoMS - is a series of workshops designed to combat low wellbeing - and can be run by groups and organisations as a special day, or included in a package of other ongoing activities. Huge thanks to both The Scottish Government Knowledge Transfer & Innovation Fund, and to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, for providing funding to support the FoMS programme. This episode features: Kirsty Ritchie, mental health consultant and founder of Mind and Mission. Kirsty was involved in devising the Foundations of Mental Health programme for Farmstrong. Emily Grant, who's worked in Scottish agriculture for over 20 years, and trades as Forrit (Scots word for 'forward'). Emily is part of the team who deliver FOMS to groups and organisations across Scottish agriculture. Find out more about the Foundations of Mental Strength programme here. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.

  5. Apr 1

    Resilience, rugby, recovery: Bobby Stevenson's story of selling his farm after mental ill health

    Bobby Stevenson took the difficult decision to sell his family dairy farm after facing a mental health crisis. Bobby, from Lendalfoot in South Ayrshire, tells Sarah Stephen about his journey back from both a stroke and mental ill health - and how talking and sharing openly about his issues has helped his recovery. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk

  6. Feb 4

    Dave and Sandy Hay: Curling and community at the Chuck Hay Memorial Bonspiel

    Sarah finds warmth on ice - and plenty of competition! - at the annual farmer's curling competition at Perth's Dewar Centre. 160 people from all over Scotland take part in the Chuck Hay Memorial Bonspiel, in teams of 4, over three days in January. There is camaraderie and connection - which is especially important in the bleak dark month of January, when isolation can feel particularly pronounced. In this episode: event organisers and brothers Sandy and Dave Hay tell Sarah what the event is all about, and pay tribute to their father, Chuck Hay, a former curling world championsheep farmers Glen and Thomas Muirhead - brothers of Eve Muirhead - stop by to share thoughts on the competitionFarmstrong's own Alix Ritchie shares thoughts on why events like this are great for social connection and wellbeing If listening to this episode has made you want to check out curling, please visit Scottish Curling's "Try Curling" website. It has info on all the ice rink venues across Scotland where there are organised taster sessions with qualified coaches. The sessions are open to anyone who wants to give it a go. You simply enter your postcode / location to get a list of times and venues. Link here: Sandy Hay is a trustee for RSABI - whose 24-hour helpline (below) is available to anyone in Scottish agriculture, and who offer practical, emotional and financial support: https://www.rsabi.org.uk/ How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk

  7. Jan 19

    Tommy Dale: Compost, conservation and self care

    Tommy Dale must have more hours in each day than the rest of us. He's run Forth Resource Management and Caledonian Horticulture since 2002, when he started both as an SRUC student project to recycle, compost and re-use garden and landscaping waste. He heads up Brose oat milk, works with Heriot-Watt University and others to run a lobster hatchery, and has a mission to clear plastic from Scotland's beaches, Scottish Coastal Clean Up. And there's plenty more charity and social enterprise work beside all that! He’s also been very generous in this chat for Farmstrong Scotland - sharing with Sarah the difficult lessons he learned in 2013, when he had a serious mental breakdown. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk

  8. Jan 7

    A change of pace: Willie Thomson and Anna Davies

    This is a groundbreaking episode of Blether Together - as Sarah Stephen meets our first ever husband and wife duo – Willie Thomson and Anna Davies. Anna and Willie are tenants on a 250-acre arable farm near Haddington. They recently converted a steading into co-working spaces. Anna also runs rural PR and marketing firm Scene and Herd, and hosts Scottish farming podcast OnFARM. It’s a busy life – but recent health challenges for Willie have prompted a change in pace and approach. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk

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Stories from farmers and crofters across Scotland, to support your wellbeing and share their top tips. A small change can make a big difference, so you can live well, and farm and croft well. Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. It is a peer-to-peer programme, driven by science and real-life stories. Together, we can share, learn and support our wellbeing. You can visit Farmstrong Scotland online to find more information: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/

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