Aberdeenshire egg producer Farmlay Eggs has appointed William Gillespie as trainee agricultural operations manager.
The 22-year-old grew up on a pig and poultry farm in Perthshire and joined Farmlay before completing his degree in Agriculture and Farm Business Management at Harper Adams University, graduating in September.
Gillespie’s previous experience includes a placement with poultry genetics and research company Aviagen, where he spent six months on its farming base, three months in the hatchery and three months overseas. He has also gained experience in poultry building construction through working with his father’s business, Morspan Construction.
Farmlay managing director Iain Chapman said Gillespie had stood out for his passion for the poultry industry, interest in new technology and knowledge of wider farming, including arable production.
Based at the company’s rearing farm at Mintlaw, Gillespie will work across poultry, arable and cattle operations, with training and support from poultry manager Christine James.
Gillespie said the business offered opportunities for young people to build careers in agriculture without owning a farm.
“You don’t need to own a farm to have a career in agriculture,” he said. “There are plenty of roles and opportunities to get involved.”