The Viking: An Essential Partner for a Busy Angus Farming Family

In the heart of the Angus Glens, the Mather family operates a busy, diverse farming enterprise. With seven members across a family partnership, they manage a vast and challenging landscape, overseeing 650 acres of arable crops, 420 suckler cows, and over 4,000 sheep across land that spans from high-altitude grouse moors at 2500 feet down to 200 feet. It’s an operation where every machine must be a trusted partner, and for Scott Mather, the Yamaha Viking has become exactly that.

The family's history with ATVs runs deep, having been among the first in their area to use them back in the 1980s. After trialling other brands with varying success, they discovered the reliability of Yamaha. "We have had other brands but sometimes struggled with reliability issues," Scott explains, "so we enquired about a Yamaha ATV initially, and we purchased our first, the Kodiak 700, in 2017.”

In May 2024, Scott decided it was time for a change. "I had spent a few days soaked in Storm Babette, so the thought of something with more cover was appealing." He chose the Yamaha Viking, a durable, functional, side-by-side machine, with the hope it would suit the varied terrain.

That decision paid off. "Since I have had it, I have barely ridden an ATV," Scott says. "I can cover 98% of the ground that I used to cover with an ATV with the Yamaha Viking. It's an extremely capable machine."

The Viking is now used every single day on the farm. It has streamlined daily tasks, from feeding livestock, allowing Scott to carry all the feed and minerals in one run, to vital jobs like fencing, where the spacious cargo bed and trailer can be loaded with all the necessary materials.

Its capabilities are particularly valued on the farm’s steep ground. "The engine braking is hugely important for me where we are," Scott states. "When you are in low range, it ticks over and provides great stability on some of the really steep faces." He also praises the machine's wider footprint, which gives it great stability when towing a trailer loaded with livestock.

The Viking isn't just a workhorse; it has also been handy in Scott’s family life. "It’s lovely to be able to take my wife or friends up onto the hills when they visit," he says. "We have amazing views where we are; you can see up to 50 miles into the distance on a good day." The machine is also used for recreational activities like shoot days and dog walks, proving its versatility as a well-loved family vehicle.

The farm’s reliance on its machines means reliability is key, and this extends to its dealer relationship. Despite their local dealer, George Collier in Kinross, being over an hour away, the partnership has been a success. "It was a leap of faith to choose a dealer that distance away, but we were comfortable doing this because of the brand and the guarantees that came with it, such as the 10-year belt warranty," Scott explains. "We've had ATVs before where we've had to change the belts a lot, and having that reassurance is very helpful."

For Scott and the team at William Mather and Sons, the Viking has become an indispensable part of their operation. "Nothing particularly stands out as the main features; it's just generally a great machine," he concludes. "Its versatility and ability to do things well are what make it stand out. We still love our ATVs, but it’s a great option for us in addition to them."