A FAMILY tenancy spanning exactly 100 years was celebrated with a party at Luffness Castle, near Aberlady, on Monday.

Three generations of the Stevenson family – John, son Allan and granddaughter Hayley – joined landowner George Hope and his wife Anna for the convivial evening.

The Stevensons’ Luffness Mains farm is an agricultural tenancy and the 10-decade tenancy milestone is a first for the Luffness Estate.

Drinks were served and Mr Hope and John and Allan Stevenson said a few words.

Andrew Wemyss, the estate’s factor who was also in attendance, said: “It’s great to have a family there for so long.” Allan Stevenson highlighted the impressive history, which now stretched back four generations.

He said: “My grandfather, also named Allan Stevenson, started farming on Luffness Estate 100 years ago this week.

“He died fairly young and my father John, who is now retired in Gullane, took over the business.

“After 50 years my family moved here in 2001 and have enjoyed the splendour of East Lothian since then.

“Farming families like us all over the county have a vital role in meeting the ever-more-demanding needs of our customers for mostly meat, vegetables and grains and especially our main product – potatoes.

“Many of us have long histories in East Lothian, although much less than the Hope family.

“We are most grateful to them for hosting an excellent reception for us this week at Luffness, attended by many staff, past and present, as well as several neighbouring farmers and friends.

“Our next generation was represented by my daughter Hayley, now a biology student at Edinburgh University, and we hope to continue to farm at Luffness Mains for many years to come.” Mr Hope conveyed all his best wishes to the Stevensons.