Monday March 2nd 2026
Free range egg unit (photo from UK Farming)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A free-range egg unit which will house up to 32,000 birds has been approved at a Berwickshire farm.
The applicant, G.R.G. Todd Ltd, is based at Whitsome Laws Farm near Duns, a family-run business, consisting of 800 hectares of arable farmland and approximately 500 head of cattle.
The farm sits between Whitsome and Swinton, just off the B6460.
Scottish Borders Council has now approved an application to diversify the existing agricultural business into the poultry industry.
A report with the application stated: “The necessity to diversify the existing agricultural business, is in order to create a sustainable and future-proof position for the current farming family, the next generation and hopefully those to follow after.
“With the arable sector being extremely volatile with fluctuating grain prices and a dependence on weather conditions, a diversification into a mixed enterprise offers more sustainability and security for the business and family.”
The free-range egg market in the United Kingdom remains popular with a high demand from consumers, as well as the commercial industry.
The selected site for the proposed buildings is within a field that already provides significant screening with its natural landscape, it sits more than 500m from any houses, and it is the “best option for traffic routes and road access to the site”.
The free-range egg unit will house up to 32,000 free-range birds, with associated egg collection, packing facilities and feed bins.
In his report approving the application, Cameron Kirk, assistant planning officer at SBC, states: “Whitsome Law Farm consists of arable and livestock farming.
“The applicant intends to diversify their existing agricultural business into the poultry industry.
“The proposed development would consist of two sheds which would be used to accommodate up to 32,000 birds for the purposes of egg production.
“The applicant hopes that diversification into a mixed enterprise will offer more sustainability and security for the business and their family.
“The proposed development would diversify and grow the existing offering at Whitsome Law Farm. The general principle of erecting two poultry sheds in this location is acceptable.”
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