Success Story
Innovative entrepreneur elevates sustainable agricultural practices with next generation dron technology.
| Region/Nation | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Programme | Investment Fund for Scotland |
| Partner |
Sky-Pin Drones was established in 2019 offering commercial aerial drone services, helping landowners and farmers across Scotland with multispectral plant health mapping, photogammetry and aerial mapping surveys.
A £48,000 loan through the Investment Fund for Scotland's Smaller Loans Fund managed by DSL Business Finance allowed Founder James Braid to grow the business and expand its services to include crop spraying and spreading, seeding for conservation projects, horticulture greenhouse shading and cleaning, and solar panel inspection and cleaning.
The funding also enabled James to purchase a cutting-edge drone to deliver these new services, and following completion of the CAA / Lantra Approved Remote Pilot & Drones Spraying Certification, James became the first and only person in Scotland qualified to operate drones in agricultural spraying and spreading.
Sustainability is playing an increasingly vital role in modern farming, and I've noticed a growing shift among my clients toward adopting more biodiverse products and practices. The drone technology I use is specifically designed to enhance sustainability by reducing chemical usage and promoting environmentally friendly approaches. It has already made a positive impact on ecological projects such as peatland restoration and habitat management.
Running a small business with limited capital can be challenging, so I'm grateful to the teams at the British Business Bank and DSL Business Finance for their support in helping to bring this technology to Scotland for the first time.
Currently, I'm managing the business independently, but I'm excited about the prospect of expanding the team as more people discover the advantages of drones in agriculture and land management. I'm looking forward to this next chapter and showcasing how this innovative technology can unlock new opportunities and drive progress in these sectors.
- James Braid Founder, Sky-Pin Drones
Read more about Sky-Pin Drones on the DSL Business Finance website.
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