The scientist grew up in Dumfries and Galloway, on a farm called Claymoddie near Whithorn.
“We lived among rolling fields, 18th Century woodlands, stone dykes, the shore, and big skies, with views stretching all the way to the Isle of Man on clear days,” he said.
“Life revolved around the farm, the seasons, and the landscape.
“There were ploughing matches, potato planting, gathering stones from fields, exploring woods, fishing, listening to Radio Caroline, and Saturday trips into town for freshly baked rolls.”
McBratney did not realise it at the time, but growing up on a farm would lead to a lifelong fascination.
“Soil was simply part of everyday life,” he said.
“I knew every field by name, understood that some parts of the farm grew crops better than others, and learned early that the land was endlessly variable and full of surprises.
“The adults talked constantly about weather, drainage, crops, and livestock, so the connection between people and land seemed completely natural.”