In this episode of Blether Together, host Sarah Stephen sits down with East Lothian composter, environmentalist and business founder Tommy Dale.
Tommy’s work spans composting, social enterprise, coastal conservation and Scotland’s only oat milk brand. But at the heart of everything he does is a simple idea: businesses should do good for people and the planet while still making a living.
In a warm and open conversation, Tommy shares stories from his childhood growing up at Seacliff, the journey that led him to build multiple ventures rooted in the land and sea, and the powerful lessons he learned after experiencing a serious mental health breakdown.
From litter picking and rugby to raising three daughters, this episode explores the energy, optimism and honesty that underpin Tommy’s approach to life.
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About this episode
Tommy Dale describes himself simply as “a composter”. In reality, he is involved in a wide range of projects rooted in East Lothian and beyond.
His main business, Fourth Resource Management, began as a college project and has grown into a resource management company focused on composting and recycling materials across southern Scotland. Alongside that, Tommy has been involved in everything from social enterprises and market gardening projects to launching Scotland’s only oat milk brand, Brose Oats.
Environmental work runs through it all. Tommy is also involved in projects such as the Scottish Coastal Clean Up, removing plastic and waste from Scotland’s shores, and initiatives to restore native oyster beds and marine life in the Firth of Forth.
For Tommy, the goal is what he calls the “triple bottom line” – businesses that work for people, planet and profit.
The moment everything changed
Despite his optimism and energy, Tommy speaks candidly about a period in his life when everything became too much.
After taking on multiple ventures, including a social enterprise supporting people facing barriers to employment, Tommy pushed himself far beyond his limits. In 2013, he experienced what he describes as a complete mental breakdown.
For weeks he felt overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. Eventually, with the support of family and colleagues, he stepped back, restructured his work and made difficult decisions about the future of some projects.
It was a turning point that reshaped how he approaches work and wellbeing.
Tommy now recognises the importance of balance and making sure that even when life is busy, it never becomes overwhelming again.
Lessons learned along the way
Throughout the conversation, Tommy reflects on a few key lessons that guide him today.
Know your limits
Pushing yourself too hard can take a real toll. Recognising when to slow down matters.
Surround yourself with great people
Tommy credits the success of his businesses to the talented people around him.
Purpose matters
For Tommy, the most rewarding part of business is seeing people develop and communities benefit.
Talk openly about mental health
By sharing experiences honestly, others may feel able to ask for help too.
Looking after your wellbeing
If this conversation resonates with you, Farmstrong Scotland has tools and resources available.
The How’s It Going? tool on the Farmstrong website is a simple way to reflect on your wellbeing and find practical ideas to help you stay on track.
Remember, you’re not alone and small steps can make a real difference.
