A YOUNG Inverkip couple who starred in the TV hit This Farming Life say they have been welcomed with open arms by the local community as they look to build their future here.

Newlyweds Rachel and Camy Jackson, of Dunrod Farm, have let the cameras in to give viewers an insight into hill farming in Inverclyde.

The BBC Scotland programme follows farmers from all parts of the country over a year, showing how changing of the seasons and all the ups and down they bring.

The Dunrod Farm couple quickly won the hearts of all those watching as they started out from scratch trying to build up their own flock of sheep.

Rachel, who also works as a farm inspector, said: "Taking part in This Farming Life has been a fantastic experience.

"People recognise us and stop to talk to us, it is brilliant. I had no idea how many people watched it and not just people who know about farming.

"We took on Dunrod Farm two years ago, the tenancy came up and it was just what we were looking for. We had been living in Lanarkshire previously.

"We had no idea what to expect when we came to Inverclyde but we absolutely love it. There is a real farming community here, which is lovely, and our neighbours have been so kind, going out of their way to help us.

"We really want to build something here."

Greenock Telegraph: Camy and Rachel Jackson

Both Rachel, from Tiree, and Camy, originally from Fife, are steeped in farming tradition.

Growing up in a croft, Rachel, 28, says her first love was farming and she followed in her dad's footsteps.

She said: "My dad only had daughters and I was the only one who went into it, it is in my blood."

Likewise Camy comes from a farming tradition and worked in farm management until taking the leap and going out on his own.

In keeping with the farming trend they found each other at a Young Farmers dance six years ago.

Two years ago they decided to fulfil a lifelong dream and strike out on their own by taking on the Dunrod tenancy.

The couple recently married in Tiree and have just returned from a honeymoon in Cyprus.

Rachel added: "It is not easy to get away from the farm but we somehow managed!"

At Dunrod they have 700 acres covered with flocks of sheep including Cheviot ewes.

The TV film crew followed the couple for 11 months, three days a week.

In a bid to fulfil their five year plan they must have a flock of 5,000 sheep.

Camy, who also has a job away from the farm two days a week, said: "It is tough when you are starting out, we have not inherited a farm so we are doing it all on our own, building it from zero."

As well as sheep farming the couple keep herds of prize cattle and also indulge in the show ring, the ideal place to build a reputation in the industry.

Camy comes from a tradition of showing and Rachel has also caught the bug.

This Farming Life captures them at the biggest farming shows in the country with Rachel learning the ropes in the ring. The programme follows them to the Royal Highland Show and as the 12 episodes unfold Rachel and Camy enjoy a successful year, building on their flock and having a good lambing season.

Inverclyde also played a starring role, with its beautiful scenic views.

Audiences watched as Rachel and Camy found themselves all over Branchton trying desperately to round up some escapee sheep, who had made it out after a boundary fence was torn down.

Camy said: "It is tough and we wanted to show people what it was like."