Photo: Sponsor Virgin Money UK Director of Agriculture, Anna Black, Richard Black and Cammy Wilson from The Sheep Game.
Scottish Agriculture Awards 22nd Oct 2026
We’re delighted to have won the Diversified Farm of the Year 2026 at the very prestigious national awards last night.
The Scottish Agriculture Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the Scottish agricultural community, recognising the farmers, individuals and businesses whose dedication, ideas and commitment continue to support the sustainability and success of the industry.
A quote from the judges:
‘What stood out for the judges at Lindores was the way every diversification has been developed to complement and strengthen the wider farming business rather than compete with it. Richard and Anna Black have created a range of high-quality enterprises that make the most of the farm’s assets while also supporting other local businesses. The judges were particularly impressed by the attention to detail and standards maintained throughout the operation. Alongside the success of the diversified enterprises, farming remains at the heart of everything they do, creating a business where each part supports the next.”
If you’ve never heard of us…
Managed by the Blacks a third-generation family in North Fife, Lindores is a traditional working mixed farm that has successfully evolved into an award-winning rural diversification business. While agriculture remains at the heart of everything we do, we have created a sustainable, resilient business model that combines farming, tourism, hospitality and education.
Our core agricultural activities include cultivating malting barley for neighbouring Lindores Abbey Distillery, alongside rearing Texel cross ewes and native Highland cattle. We are committed to sustainable farming through a low-waste circular agricultural system that maximises resources, supports biodiversity and works in partnership with local businesses.
Today, Lindores welcomes visitors from across the UK and internationally through six integrated business pillars.
Our luxury accommodation includes four self-catering holiday properties—The Glasshouse, The Arches, West Cottage and Lindores Lodge—offering panoramic countryside views, private hot tubs and premium stays for couples, families, dog owners and equestrian guests.
Lindores Equestrian is an 85-acre, BHS-approved training facility featuring a British Eventing-standard cross-country course, all-weather arena, show jumping paddocks and 36 stables. The centre attracts riders March – October for training camps, horse holidays and day clinics.
Shooting experiences led by gamekeeper Jamie Horne run Nov-Jan welcoming guests from home and abroad. All activity contributes significantly to the rural visitor economy.
Our bespoke off-grid venues, The Hide and The Barley House, showcase the very best of Fife through immersive ‘Farm to Fork’ and ‘Seed to Sip’ dining experiences. This could be the only destination in Scotland that is able to offer both farm to fork and seed to sip in one location which is what makes it very unique. Celebrating local produce, including our own homebred Lindores lamb.
We have invested heavily building bonded warehousing. Braeside Bond has a long term lease with Spiritfilled Ltd since 2024. Today you’ll there are over 9,000 casks of Scotch whisky on-site from over 124 Scottish distilleries. This enterprise not only provides an additional income stream but has created 4 jobs on farm, enhanced Lindores guided Farm Tours by allowing visitors to experience the journey from barley field to maturing whisky.
Supporting our local community is central to our values. We’re creating unique propositions and a ‘space’ for local businesses to showcase their talents. Anna calls many of this network the Lindores ‘local heroes’. We work with local artisan producers, freelancers, small local businesses, tourism partners and charities to create authentic visitor experiences while promoting rural education and economic growth. Collaboration at its best!
Lindores demonstrates how a traditional family farm can successfully diversify without losing its agricultural identity. By combining sustainable farming with hospitality, equestrian facilities, food experiences and community collaboration, we strive to strengthen the rural economy while preserving the authenticity and heritage of our 550 acre working Scottish farm.
Let’s connect – follow us on social media @lindoresstay and @lindoresequestrian
Awards night in Anna’s words
We’ve never been before so didn’t know what to expect. The atmosphere was electric! 670 people, 17 awards, 38 finalists and an extremely well represented slice of the extraordinary Scottish talent. The quality of finalists was incredible. It reminds you the positive impact our sector has on the rural economy.