From Scrums to Squats

How Peter Eccles Found New Purpose on the Farm

- Peter Eccles

Peter Eccles saw himself as a dedicated and conscientious farm manager and hardworking rugby teammate. When both came to an end, he found himself having something of an identity crisis. Now, after opening his own on-farm fitness business and getting involved in supporting the wellbeing organisation Farmstrong Scotland, he opens up about finding his new sense of purpose ...

Moving home to take over the reins at his family farm Caerlaverock, following the retirement of his father, was something Peter had been preparing for his whole career. However, he wasn’t quite expecting how challenging a move this would be. Back in 2020, Peter, a former back row forward for Heriot’s and then Melrose, who also achieved Club International honours, was named as the winner of the prestigious Farmers Weekly Farm Manager of the Year Award, for his work at Saughland Farm, Midlothian. He also took the overall title of Farmer of the Year.

“People would mostly talk to me about rugby and farming,” explains 40-year-old Peter.

“Following the end of my rugby playing days and my decision to leave my role as a farm manager I went through a tough time where I struggled mentally to find my new purpose. “I was at a stage in my life where I felt it was important to pursue my dreams and build something for myself. Farming is my passion and something I continue to do, but I've chosen to diversify and create an additional revenue stream to the farm’s income which can be so volatile. It has been a challenging time transitioning out of my role as a farmer manager, becoming a qualified personal trainer and starting my own business. I’ve had to adapt since leaving a job with all the security of a monthly salary and a tied home for my young family.”

As is so often the case in farming today, successful diversification can be key in safeguarding the future of the family farm.