Our Animals

Naturally Raised In The Hills

In our traditionally run Scottish farm, all our animals are naturally grass-fed and grass-finished, reared without the need of introducing manufactured concentrates.  We breed our replacements and have better control of the health and the well-being of the flock.  Some of the genetics have been passed on for generations!

Our Challenges

The farm animals at Auch Estate are up against considerable challenges, from natural predators to poor weather conditions over the winter period.  Yet, we insist on letting our cattle and lambs grow and mature naturally, without being pushed to finishing weights with the aid of any concentrates.  

Scottish Blackface 

A traditional breed, the Scottish Blackface may have originated in the border areas between Scotland and England. The records of the predecessors of today’s Scottish Blackface lambs can be traced as far back as to the 12th Century, when the monks raised these horned sheep to provide wool for their garments.

Auch Estate Scottish Blackface lamb is free of excess fat and waste and is applauded for its distinct but mild and sweet flavour. Lean but tender, it is the high-quality lamb for today's health conscious consumer.  The lamb is rich in Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids. 

Highland Cattle 

Highland cattle are the oldest registered breed of cattle with a Herd Book being published in 1885.  Queen Elizabeth II has a magnificent herd of Highland Cattle and it is rumoured to be the only kind of beef she eats!

Auch Estate Highland Cattle has lean, well-marbled, flesh that ensures tenderness with a very distinctive flavor.  Studies have shown that Highland Beef is consistently much lower in fat content and cholesterol than other breeds, whereas the marbling of the beef gives the same tenderness and tastiness as the other breeds.

Wild Deer

Auch Estate situated in a dramatic landscape of eight magnificent Munros (mountains that are at least 3,000 feet high), several glens (narrow valleys), and a beautiful loch (lake), bounded by well-known deer forests.  Red deer wander around our array of glens and deep corries which provide shelters for them.  Roe deer are also likely to be present in some areas at lower elevations.