Nestled in the stunning northwest corner of Skye, just eight miles from Skyeskyns, Alastair and Glenys Maclean manage their picturesque croft, Vatten Farm, where they raise cows, sheep, and chickens. Their croft boasts breath-taking views of Macleod’s Tables and Loch Bracadale and is a proud testament to Scottish crofting tradition, having been cherished by Alastair’s family for over 150 years.
Alastair, born and raised on Skye grew up immersed in the crofting life, learning the ropes from his father and taking over the croft in his late teens. Glenys who originally hails from New Zealand, didn't grow up farming but comes from a family with farming roots. The two met while Alastair was in New Zealand shearing and the rest is history!
About 14 years ago, Glenys and Alastair embarked on an exciting business adventure, initially focusing on raising chickens, and later expanding to include beef and lamb from their idyllic croft. The lambs and bullocks are carefully taken to Munro's in Dingwall, the nearest abattoir, for processing, then prepared in their own butchery unit on the croft. Embracing a zero-waste philosophy, they utilise every part of the lambs, even selling the skins to Skyeskyns!
About 14 years ago, they started building their own business, beginning initially with chickens before expanding into beef and lamb. The lambs and bullocks are carefully taken to Munro's in Dingwall for processing, then brought back to the croft where everything is prepared in their own butchery unit. Embracing a zero-waste philosophy, nothing goes to waste and everything is used right down to the skins which come to us at Skyeskyns.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything Alastair and Glenys do. Their animals are grass-fed on the lush inbye pastures and hills, with extra feed like silage and draff (a by-product from the nearby Talisker distillery) during the challenging winter months.
The future of the croft is in good hands too, as Alastair and Glenys’ daughters are keen carry on the family traditions and continue with crofting life as their parents and grandparents have done before them. Go on girls! Skyeskyns is proud to work alongside another family business with similar ethos and values and hope to stock Vatten croft sheepskins for a long time to come!
