The mere mention of the Covid-19 pandemic still sends a chill through many, particularly small business owners, countless of whom did not survive the prolonged shutdowns experienced across the globe.
Yet for one small business nestled in the hills of the Scottish Borders, the pandemic proved to be an unexpected turning point, reshaping not only its direction of travel but also aligning it with a growing global shift in priorities around wellbeing, connection, and time spent outdoors.
At first glance, the idea of taking a walk through a Borders valley with alpacas may not seem like an obvious business proposition. However, in the years since 2020, it has become an increasingly sought-after experience.
From Burnout to a New Beginning
Beirhope Alpacas, located in the picturesque Kale Water valley near Kelso, was founded by Lynne Jobes, who made a significant life change after reaching burnout in her career in social work. Introduced to alpacas at a glamping show, Lynne shared the idea with her husband Alan, an Officer with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and together they embraced a new venture.
Having already relocated from North Northumberland to a smallholding at Beirhope, the family, including their son Mark and daughter Georgia, began their alpaca journey in 2017. Three years later, like so many others, they faced the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.
A Pandemic Pause That Sparked Change
“At the time, Covid was dreadful for everyone,” Lynne recalls. “I remember thinking, ‘how is my business going to survive?’ We were fortunate to receive financial support from Scottish Borders Council, which gave us the chance to keep going.”
However, that period of enforced pause also brought clarity, not just for Beirhope, but for many businesses across the region.
“We realised we needed to diversify. We couldn’t rely on a single income stream.”
“The pandemic made us stop and think, something small businesses rarely have time to do,” she explains. “We realised we needed to diversify. We couldn’t rely on a single income stream, and at the same time, there was a growing demand for people to holiday within the UK and spend time outdoors.”
Diversifying to Meet New Demand
Recognising the opportunity, Beirhope expanded to include a seasonal campsite, tapping into a surge in demand for rural escapes. Six years on, that demand shows no signs of slowing; if anything, it has strengthened alongside increased awareness of mental health and wellbeing.
Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, historic landmarks such as Dere Street and Thowliestane Hill Fort, and some of the region’s finest dark skies, Beirhope offers visitors the chance to step away from the pace of modern life.
“When people come here, they can breathe, reconnect with family and friends, and experience a real sense of calm,” Lynne says. “That promotes wellbeing, and from a business perspective, it’s allowed us to grow in ways we hadn’t imagined.”
Where Connections Turn into Opportunities
That same sense of connection was evident when Beirhope recently hosted a Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce ‘Coffee & Connections’ event, welcoming local businesses from across the region.
“Connections form that simply wouldn’t happen through emails or formal meetings.”
In this relaxed setting, something important happens. As Laura Middlemass, our Vice Chair highlighted, when businesses are brought together in the right environment, conversations shift. People open up, connections form more naturally, and discussions move beyond the surface, something that rarely happens through emails or formal meetings alone.
With alpacas wandering nearby and the Cheviot Hills providing a calm backdrop, the session created space for meaningful conversations, from shared challenges to new opportunities, and reflections on what sustainable growth looks like for the Borders economy.
Strengthening the Scottish Borders Business Community
This is where the Chamber’s role becomes tangible. Beyond events, it is about strengthening the regional business ecosystem, creating visibility across sectors, and ensuring organisations of all sizes have access to the networks, support and influence they need to thrive. Sessions like these not only build relationships but also help surface the priorities that shape the Chamber’s work going forward.
Today, Beirhope continues to evolve, combining alpaca trekking experiences with a well-equipped campsite, complete with outdoor kitchen facilities, fire pits, and reliable connectivity, reflecting the balance many visitors now seek between escape and convenience.
The alpacas themselves remain central to the experience. Cared for primarily for their fibre and for visitor interaction, their wool is processed locally at The Border Mill in Duns, with a range of products available through the Beirhope shop.
Growing a Rural Business with Global Recognition
This blend of authentic rural experience and thoughtful diversification has not gone unnoticed. Beirhope has received Hipcamp’s Best Campsite award for three consecutive years and more recently earned a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top 10% of outdoor activities worldwide.
“We are a small Borders business, yet we’re standing alongside some of the biggest attractions globally.”
“That recognition is incredible,” Lynne reflects. “We are a small Borders business, yet we’re standing alongside some of the biggest attractions globally. That’s down to the strength of our team and the experience we create for visitors.”
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum
Rather than dwell on what might have been, the team at Beirhope continues to focus on the future, building on their success and responding to evolving customer needs.
“The interesting thing about the world now is that people place more value on time; time for themselves, and time to reset,” Lynne says. “Even today, people are willing to step away from their businesses, drive across the Borders, and spend a morning here. That says a lot.”
While modern expectations remain, including the need for reliable digital connectivity, the core appeal of Beirhope lies in its simplicity.
“What people tell us is that coming here gives them a chance to step back and reset,” she adds. “And that, in itself, feels like a little piece of magic.”
To learn more visit: Beirhope Alpacas.
For more information on upcoming Coffee & Connections and other events, click here.
