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Dumfries And Galloway Farm Scoops Success With New Gelato Venture


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A family-run farm based tourist destination in Castle Douglas has launched a new gelato venture, using milk from its own herd of pedigree Holstein cows to create fresh gelato, after securing support from Business Gateway.


Ernespie Farm Centre, led by the McMiken family, has been a working farm for generations but in recent years has diversified into tourism to secure its long-term future. It is now a popular destination for visitors across Dumfries and Galloway, offering a farm-to-fork restaurant, gift shop as well as indoor and outdoor play.


In April 2025, the family opened ‘The Gelato Hut’, which scoops up to 18 flavours 7 days a week, including seasonal specials and warm bubble waffles at their evening events. Specialist equipment enables the team to transform their own milk into delicious, creamy gelato, all produced on-site.

The expansion into gelato production helps to reduce food miles for visitors and secures local employment. There are also plans underway to supply their gelato to local businesses, further boosting the local economy.


The team has a real focus on sustainability, using products produced in the bakery of The Farmhouse Kitchen on-site as additions in their gelato. As well as the milk being used in the gelato, all the beef served in The Farmhouse Kitchen restaurant comes from their own cattle.


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Director David was determined to find new ways to strengthen the business and provide year-round opportunities, so approached Business Gateway. Through this, David met Business Gateway adviser Fiona Smyth, who supported him with developing business plans, innovation support, advice on funding and advice on expanding premises.


Alongside the gelato venture, Ernespie Farm has also invested in a new digital booking system, allowing visitors to book farm park entry, seasonal events and restaurant tables online, helping to increase efficiency and boost occupancy.


David McMiken, director at Ernespie Farm Centre, said:

“Diversification has been key to future-proofing our farm. Launching the gelateria has allowed us to make the most of what we produce here on the farm and offer something unique for our visitors. Business Gateway’s support with funding was invaluable - we simply couldn’t have made this level of investment without it. It’s exciting to now see our gelato being enjoyed on-site and by the wider community.”

Gail Macgregor, chair of Business Gateway board, said:

“The team at Ernespie Farm has been incredibly proactive in adapting the business and finding new opportunities for growth. The gelateria is a fantastic addition that not only strengthens the farm park offering but also creates new employment and sustainability benefits for the local area. It’s a great example of diversification done well and Business Gateway is proud to have supported the project.”

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.


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  • Writer: Paul Andrews - CEO Family Business United
    Paul Andrews - CEO Family Business United
  • Feb 14
  • 2 min read
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Leading European plant and tool hire company BOELS Rental has placed its biggest ever order with JCB as it invests in a new machine fleet worth £65 million (€78 million).


Netherlands-based BOELS Rental has ordered more than 700 machines including tracked and wheeled excavators, wheeled loading shovels, Loadall telescopic handlers, rotating telescopic handlers, electric scissor lifts and electric site dumpers. The deal includes the introduction to the BOELS’ fleet of a large volume of the recently launched 145XR X Series tracked excavators. Delivery of the machines will be completed in the next few months.


The order also marks a huge milestone for JCB which has now supplied a total of more than 3,000 machines to BOELS Rental since the first was sold in 2012. All the excavators and wheeled loading shovels purchased in the latest deal are largely destined for use in central Europe, particularly in Germany, to support BOELS’ focus on the contractor sector.


JCB Global Major Accounts MD, Claudio Fiorentini, said: “We are delighted to secure this major order from one of Europe’s leading plant and tool hire companies, particularly as the deal represents one of the biggest in JCB’s history for excavators and wheeled loaders."


"BOELS Rental has been a valued customer of JCB’s for many years and it’s testament to the quality of JCB’s machines, as well as our world-class service back-up, that we’ve secured another valuable order.”

Boels Group Chief Procurement Officer, Guy Cremer, said: "BOELS Rental is one of Europe’s leading rental companies and our annual growth is driven by investing in the best machines available. JCB’s range is tailored exactly to the needs of the rental sector which makes them our machine of choice. The high standard of service back up we receive across Europe was also key to our purchasing decision.”


Established in 1977, Boels Rental is one of Europe’s leading machinery, tools, modular accommodation, and event equipment rental companies. It operates in 27 countries and has more than 830 branches.

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