Colin Stirling began his career in horticulture with a holiday job. An apprenticeship at Fisons Research was followed before obtaining his NCH at Pershore. He spent time in Jersey at a carnation, iris and freesia nursery, before returning to Pershore to undertake a commercial NDH course. He took a demonstrator’s post at the West of Scotland Agricultural College allowing him time for research while completing his NDH with Honours. He took up a lecturing post, as well as managing the outdoor fruit and vegetable production unit. Eight years later he moved to Bishop Burton College as Senior Lecturer in commercial horticulture. Another ten years later it was time to move back to Scotland as a Senior Horticultural Adviser with the Scottish Agricultural College in Aberdeen, providing training and advisory work across the Highlands and Islands..
When during 2001 it was decided to dispense with the SAC Horticultural Advisory Service undeterred Colin set up his own advisory service for growers across the Highlands and Islands. In 2003 Highland Council supported the development of an initiative growing native berry crops on crofts resulting in 14 demonstration sites growing blaeberries, lingonberries, cranberries, and cloudberries. Colin is a long-standing director of Trellis, Chairman of Pitcaple Environmental Project, supporting training for people with disabilities, as well as a verifier for the Caley’s Grow& Learn award scheme. His contribution to horticulture in Scotland cannot be underestimated.
