A Melrose-based entrepreneur is set to become the first in Scotland to offer advanced crop spraying services using a state-of-the-art, supersized drone, following a funding boost from the British Business Bank.

James Braid, the founder of Sky-Pin Drones Ltd, first learned to fly a drone in 2017 and launched his business after being made redundant from a career in financial services.

In 2019, he established the company and began offering commercial aerial drone services, specialising in multispectral plant health mapping, photogrammetry, and aerial mapping surveys to assist landowners and farmers across Scotland.

The use of drone technology supports sustainable agricultural practices and land restoration in sensitive areas such as peatlands and woodlands. It helps farmers reduce their environmental impact by leveraging data, using fewer chemicals, and conserving resources.

In response to the growing demand for precision agriculture and environmental restoration, James set his sights on growing the business and expanding its services to include crop spraying and spreading, seeding for conservation projects, horticulture greenhouse shading and cleaning, and solar panel inspection and cleaning.

Following his completion of the CAA/Lantra Approved Remote Pilot & Drones Spraying Certification, achieved in collaboration with AutoSpray Ltd, Precision Spray, and Harper Adams University in Newport, James became the first and only person in Scotland qualified to operate drones in agricultural spraying and spreading.

With a £48,000 loan through the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland, managed by DSL Business Finance, James purchased a cutting-edge drone to deliver these new services. The drone, weighing 110kg, boasts a wingspan of over two metres and can spread up to 150kg of material per minute.

In addition to its crop-spraying capabilities, Sky-Pin Drones integrates multispectral plant health mapping technology – sensors that capture light in specific bands beyond the visible spectrum – to provide valuable data on crop health. These insights allow farmers to identify areas of poor crop performance within larger fields, minimise chemical use, and optimise fertiliser application.

James said: “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.”

He added: “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.”

Sky-Pin Drones’ new services will be available to clients by summer 2025.

The Investment Fund for Scotland offers loans ranging from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million. The fund is part of the Bank’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth by supporting smaller businesses across Scotland.

Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager, Nations and Regions Investment Funds, at the British Business Bank, said: “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.

The Investment Fund for Scotland was created to support businesses like Sky-Pin Drones to access the finance they need to develop and grow.”

Lesley Prentice, loan officer at DSL Business Finance, added: “Working with James throughout the loan application process at DSL Business Finance was incredibly inspiring. His passion for using drone technology to promote sustainable farming is truly impressive. From gaining specialised qualifications to understanding the needs of local farmers, James has worked to bring his innovative service to Scotland.

I’m excited to see how Sky-Pin Drones will benefit the environment and farming communities, and I wish him every success as the business grows.”