Ewan - a day in the life of a farm hand

Every Tuesday rain, hail or shine, Ewan, alongside a number of volunteers, works at Southton Smallholding, a farm nestled in the Perthshire countryside. Supported by Enable Cares for the past 18 years, Ewan has always had a passion for animals, particularly sheep, where he loves the outdoors.

Ewan is one of the longest serving farm hands, having started on the farm more than 25 years ago. He is supported by his Personal Assistant (PA), Sam, and Norma, who runs the charity.

“Ewan, very much has an affinity with animals. He is very calm and has a good caring manner with them. It’s very interesting to watch him with animals; he has a talent in that area,” explains Norma, the horticultural team leader.   

As well as being a functional and profitable farm, Southton is a charity set up to benefit adults with learning disabilities. Volunteers and work experience placements like Ewan operate and contribute to the successful running of the farm, where organic vegetables and plants are produced for sale. 

Norma said: “We feel it is very important that our adults with disabilities are part of our workforce and we work in teams to ensure everyone is involved. Ewan has been here longer than anyone. He started 25 years ago, I, myself, joined the team 20 years ago and Ewan was always a very integral part of the team.” 

Ewan, 49, has a learning disability, Autism, and OCD. However, this doesn’t stop Ewan. He leads a vibrant life in his own home with support from Enable Cares. As a part of the team, Ewan, takes care of feeding the animals and watering the plants. 

Ewan said: “I've been a farmer here for nearly twenty six years - and I started being a shepherd for 24 years. We don't have sheep here anymore but I look after them in other places. I saw sheep shearing through the window when I was a wee boy, and I liked the look of them.” 

His passion for sheep is understood by the whole team, and in particular, Sam, his Personal Assistant, as they work together to tackle the jobs set by Norma.  

Sam said: “Ewan loves going to the farm. He loves all the animals. It’s good to see him out and socialising and talking to people about his passions. It is nice for him to be able to have – what somebody without a disability could have – without needing that support. It is wonderful to see.” 

Norma added: “I feel that people with learning disabilities are often wrapped in cotton wool. They are often given light jobs that might be difficult for them or are not given particularly physical jobs because people might think that they might hurt themselves. I think it is really important to stretch their abilities. To give them tasks that will challenge them.”