Well-known Strathspey farmer and plant hire boss puts himself out to semi-pasture

Strathspey plant hire boss and farmer John Kirk is going to take a back seat.

Mr Kirk wears many hats both as a businessman and valued community member.

While farming 750 hectares at Rothie Moon, Nethy Bridge, with his wife Anne, he also runs a successful agricultural and plant hire business, as well as their builders’ merchants, encompassing shops in Aviemore, employing 30 staff.

But the John Kirk Contracts chief has decided to hit the road, recreationally at least. He said: “Anne and I have decided to take a step back from the business and do the things we want to do, and that is tour the country in our campervan and semi-retire.

“So in the next couple of weeks we are handing the management of the business over to my nephew Barry and his wife Rhona. The business will carry on as usual offering construction plant and agricultural contracting.

“We have a great team, who I have loved working with, and we have lots of fun and laughter, which I will miss. I am 65 next year and realise life is not a trial run, so I want ‘me’ time. I have lost a lot of good friends over the last year – younger and older. I did have a heart attack five years ago and my body is feeling its age.

“I will be around for advice, as the business is continuing to invest in a brighter future with new ideas from the next generation.”

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