Family, farming and looking after yourself through loss
At Ardross Farm in the East Neuk of Fife, farming and family have always gone hand in hand. For Fiona Pollock and her three daughters, that family connection has become even more significant following the death of Fiona’s husband, Rob, eight years ago.
In this Farmstrong Scotland wellbeing video, Fiona and her family share the story of Ardross Farm and Ardross Farm Shop, how they have supported one another through difficult times, and the things Fiona has learned about looking after her own wellbeing following bereavement.
A family farming business in the East Neuk of Fife
The Pollock family has farmed at Ardross, around eight miles from St Andrews, since Fiona’s in-laws moved there in 1968. Her husband Rob took over the farm in 1984.
Originally dairy farmers, the family moved into growing vegetables for supermarkets before changing direction in 2005. After receiving payment for just 32% of a large carrot crop, Rob decided they could no longer continue in the same way.
The family began looking at ways to add value to what they produced and decided to sell directly to customers. Today, Fiona’s three daughters run the business, while Fiona continues to oversee the commercial kitchen and helps across the farm shop and wider business.
Supporting each other through farming and bereavement
For Fiona, one of the family's strengths is their ability to talk.
Like any family working together, they do not always agree, but when someone has a problem, they share it. That openness helped Fiona through the pressures of farming and became particularly significant after Rob died.
Fiona describes how, following her husband’s death, she initially spent a lot of time walking alone. Rather than helping, she found that the time on her own left her thinking and dwelling on things too much. She realised that she needed company and connection as well as activity.
Today, she plays golf each week with good friends, goes to Pilates in her local village, keeps in regular contact with her brothers and sisters and continues to walk, but makes a conscious effort not to walk alone.
Keeping active, spending time with other people and having people she can talk to have all become part of how Fiona looks after herself.
Finding purpose in family, farming and the future
The family also draws strength from continuing what they built together with Rob.
For Fiona’s daughters, seeing their dad’s plans for the farm, including his work developing the cattle herd, come to fruition provides motivation to keep moving the business forward.
The farm shop has also created a connection with customers that the family values enormously. Hearing people say they have enjoyed the beef or vegetables, talking to customers in the shop and listening to their ideas all provide encouragement to continue developing Ardross.
Fiona’s wellbeing tips
- Talk to the people around you. When there is a problem, share it rather than carrying it on your own.
- Stay connected. Make time for friends, family and activities that bring you into contact with other people.
- Keep active, but find what works for you. For Fiona, golf, Pilates and walking with company help her stay physically active while also giving her valuable social time.
We know there is no single way to deal with difficult periods in life. Fiona’s experience shows how small, regular habits such as talking, keeping active, staying connected and spending time with people you trust can become part of looking after your wellbeing.
Watch Fiona and her family’s story from Ardross Farm and hear how family, friendship and the farming life they have built together have helped them through some of their hardest times.
