The couple successfully combine a 1,300 acre livestock farm with a self-catering holiday business. Their farm supplies high quality meat to their own farm shop, while their accommodation offerings attract visitors seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.
Just a stone’s throw from the beach, the farm’s location inspired Murray and Amy to diversify into tourism. Their three beautifully positioned shepherds’ huts offer uninterrupted sea views to the front and rolling hills behind. In addition, three coastal cottages, each within five minutes’ drive of the beach, provide further options for guests. Since launching in 2014, 3littlehuts has become a popular destination for those seeking a tranquil seaside escape.
In July 2023, the McConchies expanded their offering with the launch of the 1littlefarm shop which caters to holidaymakers from the nearby caravan park, day trippers to Mossyard beach and locals seeking fresh, locally sourced food and drink.
The shelves are stocked with meat from the farm’s Aberdeen Angus cattle, Cheviot and cross breed sheep, and Saddleback pigs. Amy also bakes fresh bread, sausage rolls, pies and cakes. Local products include Galloway Lodge preserves, Glenkens & Dee honey and Galloway Farmhouse cheese.
“We want to create a real field to plate story for our customers,” says Murray. “Visitors often ask if they can buy produce from the animals they see in the fields. Selling directly makes sense. It reduces our carbon footprint and ensures great value for both us and our customers.”
Murray and Amy drew on their experience from the Scottish Rural Leadership Programme to identify new revenue streams and strengthen their business.
“It helped us realise the importance of making the most of our assets, such as our coastal location and proximity to the caravan park,” says Amy. “Our goal is to build a secure, sustainable future for both the farm and the tourism side of the business.”
Murray is the fourth generation to farm at Mossyard, following in the footsteps of his parents, Kerr and Caroline. His older brother John and wife Joanna run the nearby four star VisitScotland rated caravan and camping park, which also offers self-catering cottages and luxury lodges overlooking Fleet Bay. Younger brother Duncan and his wife Vicki operate Laggan, an events and hospitality business that includes GG’s Yard wedding venue, The Gather bistro and accommodation at Sea View Snugs, The Murray Arms, and several holiday cottages.
“Generations of visitors return to Mossyard year after year,” says Murray. “It’s a special place, and we feel incredibly lucky to have grown up here with the beach right on our doorstep.”
www.3littlehuts.co.uk | 1littlefarm
Client testimonial: Murray McConchie, 3littlehuts and 1littlefarm
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