Three Generations, One Trusted Name: J S & R Rattray and JCB 

For more than five decades, family-run business J S & R Rattray has delivered high-quality groundwork and forestry services across the North of Scotland. From forestry roads and drainage to quarry work and landscaping, the business has built a strong reputation for reliability, hard work, and maintaining a fleet of dependable machinery.  

Carrying on the Family Tradition  

Reflecting on how the business started, Kevin Rattray explained that machinery has always been at the heart of the company, “My father started up the business 55 years ago. He went to buy a Land Rover and came home with a JCB, and we’ve had JCBs ever since.”  

What began as a father-and-son operation has now become a third-generation business with Kevin and his son Callum continuing work today – and one that has remained closely tied to JCB from the very beginning. 

A Fleet Built for Versatility   

J S & R Rattray undertake a wide range of projects across the North of Scotland. Kevin explained, “We do a lot of forestry roads, house sites, farm drains, ditching and mulching, roadside work, and just anything with a digger.”  

To handle such varied work, the business relies on a versatile fleet of JCB machinery:  

• JCB 150X HD tracked excavator 
• JCB 100C-2 Midi Digger  
• JCB 4CX Pro Backhoe  
• JCB 426E Loading Shovel  
• JCB 531-70 Telescopic handler  
• JCB 4220 Fastrac  

Kevin described the JCB 150X HD as the perfect versatile machine for their operations, “The 150X is just an ideal all-round size for digging forestry roads and quarrying – it’s got purpose for everything!” Their JCB 100C-2 midi digger is fitted with a NOX tilt hitch, which also plays an important role across landscaping and drainage projects, Kevin described this as “ideal for work around houses and drains.” Meanwhile the JCB 4CX Pro backhoe remains a valuable support machine due to its versatility and mobility which Kevin highlighted as “Handy to have for nipping to a job rather than shifting a machine on a low loader.”  

Supplied by Scot Agri, J S & R Rattray’s JCB 4220 Fastrac plays a key role in the business’ transport operations. Kevin explained, “The 4220 pulls a trailer for coating forestry roads and carting material from quarries, it’s a towing machine for us.” 

Smart Investment Through JCB Finance  

Alongside machinery choice, financing has also played a key role in how the business invests and grows its fleet. Kevin explained that while outright purchase is preferred, when possible, JCB Finance often provide an attractive alternative. “Sometimes JCB offer 0% interest – it’s a no-brainer.”

Reliability and Backup from Scot JCB that Keeps the Business Moving  

For Kevin, machine reliability is only part of the equation, aftersales support is just as important in keeping downtime to a minimum. He added, “I just phone the Aberdeen or Muir of Ord depot and 8 times out of 10, they’re out within an hour. If they don’t fix it there and then, they’re back with the parts the following morning by 10 o’clock.” That level of responsiveness ensures projects can continue without significant disruption, particularly for J S & R Rattray where machine availability directly impacts workload and customer commitments.  

Kevin also praised the professionalism and attention to detail of Scot JCB Service, “They always put seat covers on, for instance, and the machine is checked over before they leave, leaving it clean inside and out."

A Long-Standing Relationship Built on Trust  

J S & R Rattray’s relationship with Scot JCB has developed over many years, built on shared values and consistent support. Kevin highlighted the importance of working with Regional Manager Andrew Innes, who understand their business, “Andrew’s first class as far as I’m concerned. Scot JCB’s a family business and so are we, so Andrew treats us like we treat him.”

Why JCB Remains the First Choice  

After more than 55 years in business, Kevin says the decision to stick with Scot JCB has always come down to one key factor – support. “The reason I recommend Scot JCB to other people is simply for the backup and reliability, I can’t fault it.”