SILVER THISTLE AWARD

Wilma and David are partners in family farm Rainton Farm in Dumfries & Galloway – home of The Ethical Dairy, the first farm in Europe to successfully implement cow calf dairy farming at a commercially viable scale. They are widely respected as pioneers in ethical agricultural techniques. 

They have also created two exceptional food product ranges that have origins in the land of Galloway, as well as a successful visitor attraction – Cream O’ Galloway. The couple has recently retired and sold their successful ice-cream making business, which has opened under new ownership. 

They undertook ground-breaking work – and continue to do so – linking their business and the visitor economy with what would now be referred to as responsible tourism. They would be described as way ahead of their time in this respect. They have been a huge contribution to net zero through their collection of businesses by achieving carbon negative, implanting regenerative techniques and sharing best practice with others. They have also shown a real commitment to their local community – community renewable energy trials, employment and skills shared and developed. 

Wilma and David Finlay are regarded as true ambassadors for tourism in Scotland and continue to inspire and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.