A Scottish entrepreneur is taking agriculture to new heights—literally. James Braid, founder of Sky-Pin Drones Ltd, has secured £48,000 in funding to introduce state-of-the-art drone technology for crop spraying and land management, marking a major first for Scotland’s farming sector.
Operating out of Melrose, Braid will use the funds, granted by the Investment Fund for Scotland, to deploy a 110kg drone with a wingspan of over two meters. This supersized aircraft is capable of spreading up to 150kg of material per minute, offering farmers a precision tool to improve sustainability and efficiency.
From Finance to Farming Innovation
Braid’s journey into drone technology didn’t begin in the fields. After being made redundant from a financial services career, he turned his attention to aviation, learning to fly drones in 2017.
By 2019, Sky-Pin Drones Ltd was up and running, providing aerial mapping, multispectral plant health analysis, and photogrammetry services for landowners and farmers.
His services quickly gained traction. Farmers looking for sustainable solutions embraced the data-driven insights provided by drones, helping them optimise crop performance, conserve resources, and reduce chemical use.
Advanced Drones for Smarter Agriculture
Recognising the increasing demand for precision farming, Braid decided to expand his offerings beyond aerial surveying.
Now, his business will introduce:
- Crop spraying and spreading – applying fertilisers and treatments with pinpoint accuracy
- Seeding for conservation projects – restoring woodlands and peatlands
- Horticulture shading and cleaning – improving greenhouse efficiency
- Solar panel inspection and cleaning – maximising renewable energy output
To make this leap, he obtained a CAA/Lantra Approved Remote Pilot & Drones Spraying Certification. Training at Harper Adams University, alongside AutoSpray Ltd and Precision Spray, positioned him as Scotland’s first and only qualified drone operator for agricultural spraying and spreading.
The Impact on Sustainable Farming
Modern farming is under pressure to cut waste and reduce environmental impact. Braid believes drone technology is part of the solution.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Backing from the Investment Fund for Scotland
With financial support from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland—managed by DSL Business Finance—Sky-Pin Drones is primed for growth. The fund provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million, aimed at fueling innovation in Scotland’s small business sector.
“Sky-Pin Drones is an ambitious and innovative business looking to provide the agriculture and forestry sectors with access to technology that could make a significant contribution to protecting the environment,” said Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank.
Lesley Prentice, a loan officer at DSL Business Finance, echoed that sentiment. “James’ passion for using drone technology to promote sustainable farming is truly impressive. From gaining specialised qualifications to understanding the needs of local farmers, he has worked to bring his innovative service to Scotland.”
Looking to the Future
For now, Braid is running the business solo, but that could soon change.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Sky-Pin Drones’ expanded services will be available to clients by summer 2025.
