Following the end of World War II, many people found themselves looking for a different way of life and new opportunities.
It was this way of thinking that brought Orcadian-born Alan Rosie to Rothienorman in Aberdeenshire.
“Like a lot of Orcadians who moved to Aberdeenshire, my parents, James and Mary, felt this part of the world had more to offer them so took the decision to leave Orkney and take over Newseat Farm in the parish of Auchterless.”
The farm, which had been farmed by a Gilchrist family since the 1800s, was bought at an auction which took place in the then Rothienorman Mart.
“My folks ran the farm and from the time I was a young lad, all I wanted to do was be a farmer,” said Alan, 76.
Alan and his wife Gwen took over the mixed arable and livestock farm from his parents in 1961 and made a good living from it while raising their family, son John, and daughters Marian and Kathleen.
“When we took over the farm it was hardly 100 acres, but we bought additional land – Mains of Badenscoth and Bruckhills Croft and extended the farm,” said Alan.
“We mostly kept cattle, sheep and pigs and grew grain, grass and ware potatoes which were sold locally.
“The land in Auchterless is very fertile but we’ve been extremely lucky with our land as the quality of it is very much in our favour.
“It’s almost drain free and even in bad winters has never been badly affected.
“The other good thing is that every field leads on to a tarred road which makes a big difference, especially in the winter months.”
In the 60 plus years Newseat has been farmed by the Rosies it’s been home to thousands of animals.
“Formerly we used to buy calves from England and sell them as store, but latterly we had some breeding cows and wean calves,” said Alan.
“At one point we’d around 200 cattle and we’ve also always kept at least 100 ewes and brought the lambs on and finished them – springtime is always busy here!
“We kept quite a number of weaner and finishing pigs too, sometimes around 400 at a time.”
Last year the farm produced almost three tonnes of spring barley along with good harvests of grass and potatoes.
“Harvesting a good crop and potatoes and grain is one of the things I like best about being a farmer, that and being in touch with all the different seasons,” said Alan.
But apart from being a farm where someone can make a good living, Newseat stands out because it’s immaculate, standing in beautifully landscaped grounds.
The garden is a labour of love for Gwen and the results are testament to that.
Newseat was named tidiest farm twice in the 1980s in a competition run by Aberdeenshire councillor Paul Miller.
Judges voted Newseat top out of more than a dozen finalists in a competition designed to encourage farmers to improve their holdings for the overall good of the area.
“All praise for the awards must go to Gwen as she’s a very tidy person,” said Alan.
“What made the awards special was that we didn’t even know we were in the running for it.
“As part of the prize we were invited to attend a royal garden party at Holyrood Palace.
“We didn’t get to meet the Queen but she was very much in the company which made our day.”
Over the years they have also spent time and money upgrading the four- bedroom substantial farmhouse which would make an ideal family home.
“Gwen and I are selling Newseat now as we have decided to take life a little easier,” said Alan.
“Our son and daughters are all very well occupied in their different careers so the decision was made to sell Newseat.
“We have enjoyed our long farming career and are looking forward to retirement.”
Selling agent, ANM Group Estates is looking for offers over £950,000 for the farm and land as a whole, but it can also be split into two lots.
Lot One, at offers over £425,000 includes Newseat Farmhouse, farmbuildings, and land extending to 4Ha (10 acres) or thereby while Lot two, farmland extending to 51 Ha (126 acres) or thereby is available at offers over £525,000.
Contact: 01467 623804