Old Castle Lachlan
New Castle Lachlan
Hill Farming Research Organisation at Lephinmore, Strathlachlan
Lephinmore was operated as a research farm from 1954 to 1982. It was part of the Strathlachlan Estate and was sold, along with Feorline and Letters, to the Forestry Commission after the death of Clan Chief John MacLachlan of MacLachlan in 1942. They planted 1,000 acres, leaving 3,000 which were taken over by the West of Scotland Agricultural College in 1948/49. The Hill Farming Research Organisation was formed in 1954. Douglas Currie was Officer in charge.
Many improvements to hill farming, still of benefit to farmers today, came about as a result of research done at Lephinmore, which was chosen for the project because of the very poor quality of the land. For example lambing success was increased from 60% to 90% by improving the soil, bringing the ewes down from the hill before lambing and giving them supplements. 1952 was the first of scanning ewes to be introduced, so that ones carrying more than one lamb could get the best attention.
Lephinmore was one of the first places to use electric dryers for hay. Making hay normally requires 5 continuous dry days – almost impossible in this part of the world. Goats were tried as, unlike sheep, they will eat rushes. There were experiments with cattle breeding, beginning with Highland cattle and crossing them with other breeds.
Due to the link with the West of Scotland Agricultural College, there were visits from students from abroad, including a PHd student from India who did research on midgies.