Karl Falconer has been a role model to his sons Martyn and Darren over the years. And together, along with wife and mum, Ann, they run Highland Hog Roasts, based in Cannich, Beauly.
Highland Hog Roasts was the brainchild of Karl Falconer’s wife, Ann, who in 2007 was eager to launch a spin-off from their small farm, Invercannich Farm in Strathglass, where the pair had been rearing free-range, rare traditional breeds.
Taking the plunge, they ventured into outdoor catering specialising in roasting their home-reared pigs – and haven’t looked back since.
Karl and Ann’s sons, 28-year-old Martyn and Darren, 26, have also shown great interest in the business over the years and help out on a part-time basis.
Karl, 51, said: “The whole family has been involved in rearing the pigs and the catering company.
“Although the ‘kids’ – Martyn and Darren – are not as yet full-time with us, they have always been around at the major events and festivals we have attended over the years and very much assisted in the micromanaging of the business.
It’s been a very different last two years, but it’s been great working as a family.”
Karl Falconer
“Martyn, our eldest, was definitely more customer-facing in the early days and could always be seen keeping our serving staff smiling and focused at the point of sale. He also repairs and maintains machinery on the farm.
“Darren, our youngest, preferred a more behind-the-scenes approach making sure all stock was in place and ready at the big events.”
Thinking “outside the box”
At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the core of Highland Hog Roasts – the catering side – was almost completely wiped out, resulting in the family having to think of new ways to survive past the difficult period.
“We had to seriously think outside the box as to how the business would survive,” Karl said.
“Martyn has started rebuilding our farm stock and moving away from the pigs we rear.
“We have invested in free-range egg laying and chickens raised for meat production. Albeit on a small scale, we are authorised and licenced to process the meat birds here on the farm. Highland cattle and Jacob sheep have also been added.
“Darren decided to complete the circle by opening a monthly pop-up farm shop where we sell either meat reared on our own farm or from our neighbours.
“Online sales have also been developed and it’s hoped this will slowly increase over the next few months.”
The close-knit team launched their own glamping festival, known as Capers in Cannich, and introduced a bell and stretch tent hire service.
They also invested in alpacas, so visitors at Invercannich Farm can now trek with the animals.
Martyn, who has a background in engineering and farming, added: “My dad decided that if we can’t attend events, then let’s take the events to us, and launched Capers in Cannich – a small luxury glamping festival with some fantastic live music, great food and luxury three-night stays in our bell tents.
My dad is a huge role model to me, from the way he has supported my mum and raised my brother and me, to the way he handles the business and day-to-day life.”
Martyn Falconer
“We also, as a family, decided to invest in alpacas and now own nine. We offer treks around Invercannich Farm for families and small groups who can relax and enjoy the surroundings with the amazing gentle animals.”
Karl went on to say: “It’s been a very different last two years, but it’s been great working as a family.
“The kids really take the pressure off as you can micromanage each small part of the business. They both have very different ideas, some very good and some a bit more adventurous.
“There have been a few fall outs as they get reeled back into the world of budgets and making the projects work, but again, they have some amazing ideas that will become reality.”
The good outweighs the bad
Although Karl says working with family members can have its drawbacks, Martyn assures that they relish their roles.
He said: “It can be challenging at times, however, it is nice to know that the people you are working with will always have your best interests at heart and provide honest feedback.
“As with any family business, there are always going to be arguments here and there but the good points always outweigh the bad.
“My dad is a huge role model to me, from the way he has supported my mum and raised my brother and me, to the way he handles the business and day-to-day life.”
Karl added: “The trust aspect of having your kids work with you is fantastic. You know that the job will get done as they really have your best interests at heart.”
Appreciation for mum
All things considered, Karl, Martyn and Darren appreciate that Highland Hog Roasts would not be what it is today without wife and mum, Ann.
Martyn said: “The other main contributor to the Invercannich Farm team is our amazing mum, Ann.
“She has always believed in and supported us no matter what we chose to do and is one of the most hardworking people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
It’s Father’s Day tomorrow, but we all know that behind our success is, of course, my wife.”
Karl Falconer
“My beautiful and loving wife Kara also helps out in all areas of the business when she can, as does Darren’s soon-to-be wife, Danielle.
“Having grown up on the farm, it has always been a dream of mine to one day be able to develop it further and leave a legacy for mine and my brothers’ children the same way that our dad has for us.”
Karl added: “It’s Father’s Day tomorrow, but we all know that behind our success is, of course, my wife.
“As the business continues to grow and evolve out of the pandemic, it is hoped both our kids will become more involved and, one at a time, become full-time – Darren with his business head and Martyn with his ambition and dreams for the farm.
“We have a truly unique and exciting future ahead.”