Shepherding in the 1980s

Ardkinglas Estate
Ardkinglas estate remains stalked with approximately 2150 sheep.
Alisatair MacCallum is farm manager at Clachan, there are 2 shepherds working with him, along with neighbouring shepherds help.
Machinery was now starting to be introduced, the Trancsat was purchased in the late 80s.

Cairndow Estate
In 1984 Kenneth and June Finday along with their son Willie leased Achadunan and Ardno farm from Cairndow Estate.
The stock delivery to the Findlay's on the hirsels was Beinn Chorranach 360 ewes, Corrie 320 ewes, Beinn Vane 180ewes, Leachdain 550 ewes.
In 1984 Ernie MacPherson left Ardno, and the fields were rented out to the Findlays, Willie and his family were in Ardno.
£40 for top lambs, cross lambs would be making £10 more than the black face, they were a better quality lamb.
The Findlays had 2/3 shepherds working along with them.
Early 1980s part of Ballie Beag was planted with forestry.
Scanning the ewes began in the 80s, Ken and Willie Findlay were the first to do it here at Achadunan. Donald McLaren from Dalmally was the scanner.


Prices taken from Alastair MacCallum's Bought and Sold Stock Book.
Average wool price in 1985 - £1to £1.50 a fleece, for some reason the price of wool never rose over the years.
Lamb price in -
1986 - wether lamb £31.40 top price at Stirling.
1989 - wether lambs £27.80 top price at Stirling
Cast ewe price in -
1986 - £24.50 top price at Dalmally.
1989 - £22.00 top price at Dalmally.

The average wage for a shepherd was £30 per week.