HRH The Princess Royal visits the Wilson family in the Borders

The Monitor Farm Programme, supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and AHDB, organised the visit to JRB Wilson and Sons, Cowbog Farm – one of nine Monitor Farms in Scotland – and the family hosted HRH, who is patron of the Scotch Chef’s Club, where they showcased the work the business is doing to advance the farming sector.

Cowbog, near Kelso, in the Scottish Borders, is a mixed tenanted 242 ha farm of two holdings, with a contract farming arrangement with Roxburgh Estates. Home to the Wilson family, it is run by Robert and his wife, Lucy, with the help of his parents, Joan and Ronald Wilson.

All four were joined on the day by Deputy Lieutenant, John Jeffrey, to give The Princess Royal a guided tour of the cattle and lambing sheds, as well as the farm’s agritourism venture enterprise.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant John Jeffrey introduces HRH The Princess Royal to Robert and Lucy Wilson

In the cattle shed, Robert discussed his own cattle while Beth Alexander, the Monitor Farm programme manager at QMS, explained the importance of the project. Kate Rowell, QMS chair; Sarah Millar, QMS chief executive; and Tom Gibson, QMS director of market development, were also on hand to expand on the wider work being done to support Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork.

Out in the field, Robert highlighted how his cattle were playing a pivotal role in arable rotation and best practice with the help of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) members Adrian James and Paul Flanagan. This year, the field will be split as part of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) – a decision that will benefit wild bird cover and support biodiversity.

HRH The Princess Royal is introduced to the Wilson family's famous Hereford herd at Cowbog

Jack Dalziel, the Scottish Government's relationship senior adviser, was also in attendance and discussed with the Princes Royal the government’s support for the agricultural sector through funding of the Monitor Farm Scotland programme through its Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.

The topic of the new sheep enterprise was covered in the lambing shed, with children, Henry and Lottie Wilson, discussing their interest in the farm and upcoming lambing.

The final stop on the tour was The Old Stable where Lucy Wilson explained the foundation and growth of the business – Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen – and their vision for the future.

To commemorate the day and her support of the farming industry, the Princess Royal unveiled a plaque, signed the farm’s visitors’ book and planted a gum tree on the farm in honour of Lucy Wilson’s Australian heritage. She was also presented with a gift and flowers from Henry and Lottie Wilson.

At Cowbog Robert with his mother, Joan, look on as HRH The Princess Royal is presented with gifts from Lottie and Henry Wilson

Robert said: “It was an absolute privilege to have the Princess Royal visit Cowbog Farm and hear about the work we’re doing to improve farming practices in Scotland. There’s still much to be done, but it is reassuring to know that we have the support of Princess Anne as we continue to explore new opportunities and challenges.”

Ms Alexander added: “Our aim is to support Scottish farmers in adapting their businesses to become sustainable and resilient, and Cowbog Farm is just one of nine farms leading the way in achieving this – not just through best practice but by inspiring the next generation of farmers.”

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, said: “The Monitor Farm Programme is ideally placed to support the wider agricultural sector to optimise production and contribute to our food security, while helping meet our climate change and net zero targets. That’s why last year I announced a further £2 million to support the programme through the Scottish Government’s Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.

“The nine participating farms in the programme are at the forefront of promoting peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and empowering farmers and crofters to overcome local, and indeed, global challenges.

“I am grateful to HRH Princess Anne for taking the time to visit the Wilson family’s farm in Kelso, which will help to highlight the importance of the programme and what it is delivering for the sector.”