Tech
Tech Entrepreneur Revives Historic Farm with Student Talent – Scottish Business News
George Mackintosh, a Scottish tech entrepreneur, has been leading the restoration of Papple Steading, a 19th-century farm in East Lothian, for the past four years.
This historic model farm, once part of the Whittinghame Estate, is being transformed into an impressive agricultural heritage centre, business and event venue, and holiday accommodation facility.
Papple Steading is considered one of Britain’s finest historic model farms from the Agricultural Improvement Movement. It was originally part of the Whittinghame Estate, whose Laird was AJ Balfour, the British Prime Minister from 1902 to 1905.
After falling into disrepair and remaining unused for decades, the farm is now being brought back to life under Mackintosh’s vision.
The ambitious restoration project includes:
- An agricultural heritage centre
- A heritage reference library
- Community meeting rooms
- Business event spaces
- Private dining areas
- Luxury holiday accommodation
The first phase of the project, which involved converting the original farmhouse and outbuildings into self-catering accommodation, has been operational since 2023. The development has already gained recognition, winning the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland Awards 2023 and a Civic Trust Award in 2024.
To bring the steading’s story to life, Mackintosh has enlisted the help of young digital content creators from Queen Margaret University (QMU). Through the Papple Media Prize, now in its third year, students and graduates pitch creative concepts to showcase the steading’s agricultural heritage.
The 2024 winning group, comprised of international and Scottish students, was awarded £4,500 to produce a series of three short documentary films celebrating the agricultural revolution’s rich history.
These films, titled “Heroes of Toil,” explore the contributions of migrant workers from the Scottish Highlands, Ireland, and Eastern Europe to East Lothian’s agriculture over the past 200 years.
Papple Steading is on track to complete its next major phase of work in 2024. The facility aims to offer a unique blend of historical preservation and modern amenities, appealing to a wide variety of visitors interested in Scotland’s agricultural past and present.
George Mackintosh said: “Papple Steading is very proud to support the development of students and new graduates at QMU through the Papple Media Prize.
“The initiative rewards aspiring undergraduate or postgraduate graduate film makers with a commission to produce a film celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of East Lothian.
“We are really looking forward to showcasing these at the official opening of the new heritage centre. All of the students should be very proud of what they have achieved!”
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “We are passionate about helping our students develop their skills and employability so they can hit the ground running when they graduate.
“Awards like the Papple Media Prize are invaluable in preparing students for success in the commercial world.
“Students need to compete for the business by working to a client brief and pitching their idea, before the winning team moves on to content creation and delivery of the project within a set timescale.
“They are showcasing their talent whilst enhancing their portfolios and CVs.
“We are incredibly grateful for George’s ongoing support of QMU, and we look forward to seeing the students’ work showcased when Papple Steading is fully open.”
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