From cardiology to cattle: making food & drink connections as an ambassador
Freda Scott-Park's journey to becoming a Scottish Food & Drink Ambassador is a testament to the power of connection.
Her diverse background - spanning veterinary cardiology, pharmaceutical research, organic farming and even meteorology - has uniquely positioned her as an advocate for Scotland's food & drink industry.
It might seem unusual for a qualified vet and cardiology consultant to champion food and drink however for Freda the link is clear.
As a partner in Portnellan Farm, a 230-acre organic beef suckler farm on the shores of Loch Lomond, she's deeply rooted in the land and the food it provides.
The connection isn't just a hobby, it's a way of life. And it’s one that has shaped her understanding of the intricate relationship between animal health, sustainable farming and human nutrition.
Organic farming
Portnellan, owned by the Scott-Park family for over 70 years, is more than just a farm, it's a living laboratory.
Producing high-quality organic Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn beef, the farm prioritises environmentally sensitive practices. The cattle graze on 100% organic grass, maturing slowly to produce exceptional flavour. This commitment to quality and sustainability mirrors Freda's professional ethos.
“At first, the things are quite difficult to mesh, but they’re all interlinked.”
Freda Scott-Park
“I have spent all my life teaching but schoolchildren are a new kettle of fish to me.”
Her veterinary career, while seemingly separate, has profoundly influenced her perspective on food and farming.
Qualifying from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and completing a PhD in canine cardiology, Freda initially aimed for dairy farm practice. Fate, in the form of her marriage to David, led her to what was then a dairy farm, keeping her connected to the agricultural world.
Personal philosophy
Interestingly, her parents-in-law's focus on human nutrition sparked their transition to organic farming 25 years ago – a move that resonated deeply with Freda.
This transition wasn't just about following a trend. For Freda, it aligned with her personal philosophy.
“This was 40 years ago so my husband’s parents were way ahead of their time,” she said.
“And I was very keen because I don't think animals should be dosed with antibiotics unless they really need them,” she said.
Her experience growing up in Kenya, where more reliance was placed on the immune system due to limited access to antibiotics, further shaped her views.
This understanding of the interconnectedness of health, whether animal or human, forms the bedrock of her ambassadorship.
And her passion for education is evident in her ongoing involvement with Glasgow University Veterinary School (GUVS). Portnellan serves as a teaching farm, welcoming university students to learn about routine fertility work and the workings of an organic farm.
Freda also serves as a portfolio assessor at GUVS, further contributing to the development of future vets.
Educating the next generation
And now she is extending her dedication to sharing knowledge to primary schools, where she aims to inspire the next generation about the importance of sustainable agriculture and the diverse careers within the food and drink sector.
“We can also talk about food production on the farm and talk about being organic and what that means in very simple terms.
“I plan to take along some soil samples or we can dig a few holes and find earthworms. Then we can talk about the part worms play in maintaining healthy soil that nurtures the grass that then feeds the cattle.
“I do have teach myself how to do this to a certain degree. I have spent all my life teaching but schoolchildren are a new kettle of fish to me.
“But it’s important that young people learn about agriculture. They need to understand topics such as if you keep cows eating what they should be eating - which is entirely grass - you don't get major amounts of methane emissions.
“And in the winter, the cows go into the shed and get fed silage, we can have a big discussion about what silage is and how we make it – it is just fermented grass.”
Weather observer
Even her role as an official Met Office observer adds another layer to her understanding of the interconnectedness of systems. She’s been recording daily weather data for the last 35 years and it connects her to the realities of climate change and its impact on farming practices.
“I first signed up as a STEM ambassador as a Met Office observer and then they discovered that I was a vet and then I was a farmer and that we were organic farmers. And of course at first the things are quite difficult to mesh, but they're all interlinked.”
This understanding of the environment, combined with her scientific background, allows her to approach farming with a holistic perspective, recognising the importance of soil health, earthworms and other natural processes.
Freda's journey is a powerful example of how seemingly disparate experiences can converge to create a unique and valuable perspective. Her work as a veterinary cardiologist, her experience with organic farming, her passion for education, and even her interest in meteorology have all contributed to her role as a Scottish Food & Drink Ambassador.
By sharing her story and expertise, Freda is inspiring young people to explore the diverse and rewarding careers within Scotland's vibrant food and drink industry.