22/05/2026

Just as the partnership meeting begins, Debbie walks in, to everyone’s amazement. Delighted Brian claims he hasn’t lost his touch, highlighting the farm’s financial resilience. Adam begs to differ: he’s been running things and any recent increase in profits is down to him. Uncomfortable Alice supports Adam, but Brian claims it’s been under his supervision, with Ruairi’s help. Adam reckons Ruairi’s been a liability, then outlines his vision. He proposes being left to run the farm his own way, but also suggests Brian leaves the land to him. Debbie has another suggestion: leave the land to her and Adam. Heatedly, they argue that otherwise, when Brian dies, it will be chaos. Alice isn’t on board with this – all she wants is to persuade Brian to retire properly and relax.

Horrified, Brian then hears their concerns about his stress levels and mental health. Brian retorts that his recent stresses have nothing to do with his mental health, but won’t admit any more. Adam pushes for a decision on leaving the land to him and Debbie, but Brian points out they’re not even his own children. Alice is shocked, but Brian reasons that Adam doesn’t have the skills to run a business and Debbie has no right, having been away so long. Debbie’s furious, angrily listing Brian’s failings. She declares she’s done, she can’t fight Brian anymore. She doesn’t want the partnership, the land, or a relationship with him. Brian retaliates: he’ll withdraw the land from the partnership altogether. There will be no business with them anymore. He’ll go it alone.