Sgriob-ruadh Farm: A Sustainable Dairy Oasis on the Isle of Mull

Nestled in the Rugged Beauty of the Inner Hebrides

Generations of Dairy Farming Tradition

Sgriob-ruadh Farm has been the Reade family's cherished home and business for over four decades. In 1980, they left their dairy farm in Somerset, England and embarked on a new adventure, purchasing a dilapidated property on the remote yet stunning Isle of Mull.

With determination and a pioneering spirit, the Reades transformed the old sheds and fields into a thriving, self-sustaining dairy farm. Today, their herd of 130 hardy, mixed-breed cows produces the high-quality milk that goes into Sgriob-ruadh's award-winning cheeses and spirits.

Crafting Exceptional Cheese and Spirit

The Reade family's cheesemaking journey began as a hobby, but has since blossomed into their core business. Using only the milk from their own cows, they craft a range of traditional Scottish farmhouse cheeses, including the renowned Isle of Mull Farmhouse and Hebridean Blue. The cheese is matured in purpose-built cellars, where the unique island terroir shapes each wheel's distinctive character.

In recent years, the family has also turned their attention to the farm's abundant whey - a byproduct of cheesemaking. After years of research and innovation, they've built a state-of-the-art distillery to transform the sweet whey into a range of unique, award-winning spirits. From the smooth Sgriob-ruadh Vodka to the botanical Coo J'N Gin, these whey-based libations are a true taste of the Hebrides.

Sustainability at the Heart of Everything

Sgriob-ruadh Farm is a shining example of sustainable, self-sufficient agriculture. The family has invested heavily in renewable energy, with a 180kW hydroelectric scheme, a 65kW wind turbine, and a biomass boiler powering the entire farm and dairy operations. Any excess energy is fed back into the national grid.

But the Reades' commitment to sustainability goes far beyond just energy. They operate a closed-loop system, where nothing goes to waste. Whey from cheesemaking is distilled into spirit or fed to the farm's pigs. Spent grains from the distillery are used as animal feed. And the family even sources its own timber from the surrounding forestry to fuel the biomass boiler.

A Warm Welcome to Visitors

Sgriob-ruadh Farm is more than just a dairy operation - it's a living, breathing agritourism destination. Visitors can explore the cheese dairy, distillery, and farm, learning about the Reades' sustainable practices and rich history. The Glass Barn café offers a delightful respite, with stunning views over the rolling fields and Sound of Mull.

Whether you're seeking award-winning artisanal produce, a glimpse into traditional Scottish farming, or simply a peaceful retreat in the Hebrides, Sgriob-ruadh Farm has something to delight every visitor. Come and experience the Reade family's passion for sustainable, high-quality food and drink.