A MELROSE-BASED entrepreneur will launch advanced crop spraying with supersized drones, backed by British Business Bank funding.
James Braid, the founder of Sky-Pin Drones Ltd, first learned to fly a drone in 2017 and launched his business after being laid off from his career in financial services.
Drone technology aids sustainable agricultural practices and land restoration in sensitive regions such as peatlands and woodlands.
It enables farmers to lessen their environmental impact by utilising data, employing fewer chemicals, and conserving resources.
In 2019, he established the company and began offering commercial aerial drone services.
He specialises in multispectral plant health mapping, photogrammetry, and aerial mapping surveys to assist landowners and farmers across Scotland.
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 110-kg drone has 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—providing 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.
“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.”
The Investment Fund for Scotland offers loans from £25,000 to £2m and equity investments up to £5m.
It 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.”
Sky-Pin Drones’ new services will be available to clients by summer 2025.
