Thursday August 20th 2026
Penicuik Farm owners Gavin and Anna Brown alongside their two children
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A Penicuik farm in Midlothian has been named among the finalists in the 2026 British Farming Awards after transforming challenging moorland into a successful agricultural and tourism business.
Springfield Farm, owned and operated by Gavin and Anna Brown, has been shortlisted for Small/Medium Diversification of the Year.
The recognition follows the couple’s work to establish several complementary enterprises alongside their core sheep and beef farming business, helping to secure the farm’s future while creating employment, attracting visitors to Midlothian and promoting a greater understanding of Scottish agriculture.
Located near Penicuik, Springfield Farm extends across more than 300 acres of grazing land, rush pasture and woodland. It is home to more than 200 commercial breeding ewes, 30 pedigree Suffolk ewes, 35 pedigree Simmental cows and 14 Highland cows.
When Gavin and Anna purchased the farm in 2011, it comprised predominantly poor-quality land, one agricultural shed and a small number of livestock. Recognising that the land alone would not generate enough income to support their family, the couple began exploring ways to make the business more resilient while retaining farming at its heart.
A 16-stable livery yard was established in 2012, followed by two wind turbines that make use of the farm’s exposed moorland location.
Springfield Game and Country Meats was later created to add value to the farm’s produce through direct sales, while 60 acres of land that could not be grazed efficiently were converted into mixed woodland to support carbon capture and the farm’s environmental aims.
Springfield Farm, Penicuik
The most recent addition is Springfield Farm Holiday Pods, which opened in 2023 and is a member of Farm Stay UK. Six pods currently welcome visitors to the farm, with infrastructure in place for eight and planning permission secured for up to 14. The accommodation has been developed on two former woodland strips with no grazing value, ensuring no productive agricultural land has been lost.
As well as generating additional income for continued investment in the farm and its livestock, the pods attract visitors to the Penicuik area and give guests an opportunity to learn more about life on a working Scottish farm.
Gavin Brown said: “Diversification has given us the opportunity to bring this land back into working order and build a farm that can support our family. Each enterprise complements what was already here, while the holiday pods allow us to welcome visitors and share the realities of modern farming. To be recognised by the British Farming Awards is a very proud moment for us.”
David Brown, director of Farm Stay UK, said: “Springfield Farm is an excellent example of how diversification can protect the future of a working farm while also benefiting its local area. Gavin and Anna have created employment, attracted visitors to Midlothian and opened a window into Scottish farming, all without losing sight of agriculture as the foundation of their business.”
Organised by Farmers Guardian, the British Farming Awards recognise the innovation, resilience and positive impact of farmers and agricultural businesses across the UK. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 15 October 2026.
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