Ailsa grew up on Sillyflatt Farm, which has been in her family for three generations. The farm, in her fathers time, was a traditional mixed arable/beef farm and in her grandfather's time also included a market vegetable and flower garden. Today it continues the arable tradition but is now in sheep, pig and poultry (for eggs) production, has a new  market vegetable garden, a farm shop and seasonal gourmet outdoor dining enterprise.  Over the last 80 years it has provided the venue for many a community barn dance, wedding, gala dance and laterally,  a successful annual arts festival, “Yellows on the Broom,” in collaboration with other local venues.  Ailsa is responsible for developing and managing the diversified businesses on the farm, including the farm shop, market garden, holiday let cottage, educational experiences, granary and dining provision.  Ailsa enjoyed a career in animal ecology, specialising in seabirds marine mammal ecology, before succeeding ownership of the farm with her husband, Jan Georg, in 2015.

Jan Georg  is an engineer and farmer’s son from South Africa with experience in building, ecotourism and outdoor sports. He is responsible for livestock, land management and buildings for Sillyflatt.  With a view to improving and extending on current farm practices he  is currently undertaking a masterclass on regenerative farming with leading expert, Richard Perkins.