Banffshire entrepreneur William Duncan Auchnie should in no way take his talents for grunted.
The 17-year-old has achieved so much in such little time. Since launching his business Pork Fae The Park last October, its growth has been incredible – and the only way is up.
“I have loved farming from a very young age,” he says. “My father [Wull] has inspired me from day one. Without him, I could have never achieved what I have so far.
“He has farmed cattle and sheep for three decades.”
It all started when William, from Drummuir, was gifted three Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs for his seventh birthday. And this love for the field inspired his career goals.
Pork Fae The Park sells home-reared pork, lamb and chicken, all of which are sold in affordable bulk meat packs, over the counter and at farmers’ markets.
The business has two locations. Its on-farm butchery facility is located in Drummuir, while the pigs are based in Rothienorman at the family’s second farm.
Undeniable growth of Pork Fae The Park
When Pork Fae The Park was set in motion, the young talent had four sows, one stock boar and 40 pigs that went to slaughter.
William said: “I have increased my numbers slightly. I have now got 12 breeding sows, two boars and roughly 150 pigs heading towards the food chain.”
Not only has the business owner’s stock increased, but his product range has too.
In the beginning, this included original pork sausages, pork shoulder roast, gigot roasts, pork chops, pork loin chops, boneless pork steaks, pork ribs, pork belly and pork sausage rolls, to name a few.
“I now sell lamb and hogget as well as home reared chickens,” he added.
“They are slightly more work but I enjoy supplying them as home reared chickens are hard to find in the area.
“I also sell mangalitsa pork, which is very popular for its distinctive taste. They are slightly slower growing.
“Pork Fae The Park has some new pork boxes to suit to summer weather too. I launched my new barbecue box a few weeks ago and it has proven very popular for its great value and wide selection. There is something for everyone.”
Fans of the business can also expect free range bronze turkeys from Pork Fae The Park ahead of the festive period.
Farming is in William’s nature
William’s daily roles include everything from feeding and butchering the pigs to packaging and labelling his products and distributing orders.
While every day is different, the 17-year-old works roughly 45 hours per week.
“I enjoy rearing my produce and watching them grow,” says William.
“I also like processing and selling the meat to local customers and local businesses and telling them where it comes from.”
Meat lovers can find more information on Pork Fae The Park on Facebook to browse the full selection of products, as well as call 07762 758412 for any queries.
Highland Premier Country Meats, a mobile butchers van service run by William’s mum Anne, also offers plenty of opportunity to sample the business’ goods out for yourself.
William went on to say: “I have been looking into UK-wide delivery to further expand the business.
“I’m also looking into having a mobile butchers shop on wheels so that I can visit local villages to share the taste of the products without having to purchase a large quantity.
“I can’t ever see myself doing anything other than farming. I truly enjoy what I do day-to-day and hearing peoples’ opinions on the produce.”