New WPE production in Scotland

In 2006 Well Pict European will have it's own production in Scotland. Well Pict European Scotland Ltd will be producing 50 acres of strawberries in its first season, with the view to expand production to 100 within three years.

These images show the "blank" canvas that the WPE Scotland team intends to develop into a flagship farm just like their operation in Portugal. the site is located some 3 miles off the west coast in the heart of Angus, the Angus coastal belt is renowned for its agricultural land. the site benefits from a milder microclimate than inland and a lower chance of frost.

The farm will be managed by Andrew Cranston, a fourth generation soft fruit grower returning to his homeland after working in Southern England and abroad. Cranston moves to WPE Scotland from Boxford, Suffolk Farms where he was farm manager; over his four yeart stint he built their fruit production portfolio to 40 acres of soft fruit and 250 acres of top fruit. He implemented the very successful bi-annual raspberry cropping, which offered significatn savings in labour costs.

Cranston has worked in the UK soft fruit industry for over 12 years and has also worked with tropical fruits in South Africa. As well as his hands on experience, he is BASIS qualified. Cranston won't just be managing the farm, he will be the point of contact for all associated growers and he is tasked with building a robust Scottish supplier base, which can enhance the total WPE offer (including locals).

November 2005