Ivonne White is the driving force behind Romesdal Highlanders, a family-owned business dedicated to raising Highland cattle on a croft on the picturesque Isle of Skye. With deep roots in farming and a lifelong connection to the land, Ivonne has built a business based on tradition, care, and high standards.
Growing up around livestock, Ivonne was “earmarked to spot” from a young age; a phrase that hints at her early involvement in farming life. Although she worked outside agriculture for many years, she returned to her family’s croft and formally started her own business in 2012 after leaving her previous employment. This transition marked the beginning of a passionate commitment to the Highland cattle breed and crofting way of life.
What sets Ivonne’s Highland cattle apart is their pedigree, health, and natural upbringing. She emphasises that the animals are never forced or pushed but are “well-handled” and bred to the highest standards of welfare. This careful approach ensures that her livestock thrives in the rugged island environment while maintaining the qualities that make Highland cattle unique.
Innovation plays a crucial yet subtle role in Ivonne’s work. While crofting is steeped in tradition, keeping up to date with scientific advances and new technology is vital for animal welfare and efficient farming. She stays informed about new technical equipment and methods that can support the health and well-being of her herd. This blend of respect for tradition and openness to innovation defines her farming philosophy.
Ivonne openly acknowledges that one of her biggest challenges as a female entrepreneur and crofter has been her attitude, both within her community and beyond. Many questioned why she chose to raise Highland cattle instead of more commercially popular breeds, and some doubted the viability of her approach. Although those attitudes were often polite rather than overtly dismissive, they reflected an underlying scepticism that she has had to overcome throughout her career.
In addition to social challenges, Ivonne faces practical obstacles linked to the environment and geography of Skye. The island’s remote location means greater distances to markets and agricultural shows, higher expenses, and more logistical challenges compared to mainland farming. These factors increase costs and complicate business growth, demanding resilience and careful planning.
Despite these hurdles, Ivonne credits community connections as a vital support network. She engages with neighbours through local forest trusts and regularly meets other farmers at cattle sales. These relationships provide not only camaraderie but also valuable knowledge sharing and validation, which Ivonne found especially empowering through her participation in the GRASS CEILING project. Attending cattle shows with other experienced Highland cattle breeders reinforced her confidence and helped her refine her practices.
When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Ivonne says simply: “Everything”. She treasures being outdoors regardless of the weather and finds deep satisfaction in working closely with her livestock. This passion is the engine that drives her business forward, through both challenges and successes.
Her advice for women starting their rural businesses is straightforward and heartfelt: “Don’t be put off”. Ivonne encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their passion while remaining pragmatic. She advises learning from others but not allowing negative attitudes or doubts to undermine personal vision and determination. Every journey is unique, and success often means adapting and evolving beyond original expectations.
Ivonne White’s story is a powerful example of perseverance, community, and commitment to rural traditions. On the Isle of Skye, her work with Highland cattle honours a legacy while building a sustainable future, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with passion and resilience.