The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Volunteers Brave the Weather for Tree Planting

Volunteers Brave The Weather For Tree Planting

Foresters Stuart McArtney and Sam Guthrie have been out at Cocksburn Reservoir, working alongside a fantastic group of volunteers as part of a three-day tree-planting effort led by Scottish Water.

Despite some challenging weather, the event was a real success, with around 1,300 trees planted across Thursday to Saturday.

Friday saw 10 volunteers and six supporting staff braving the elements to plant approximately 780 trees, with the welfare unit providing a very welcome warm-up and lunch spot. The turnout and enthusiasm from volunteers – and the overwhelmingly positive reaction from members of the public passing by – highlighted just how much support there is for projects like this.

 

The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

It’s Not Just The Traitors Who Are Plotting …

It’s Not Just The Traitors Who Are Plotting…

If there’s one thing the west coast of Scotland does better than dramatic scenery and unpredictable weather, it’s inspiring people to dream big. Increasingly, those dreams begin with a simple patch of land. Across Argyll, Mull, Ulva and the wider Hebridean coast, interest in land and development plots is booming – and specialist firms such as Bell Ingram Oban are right at the heart of it.

While Scotland’s love of a good plot twist may be fuelled by television hits like The Traitors, the real plotting happening in the west is far more literal. Buyers are snapping up small serviced plots, lifestyle parcels and larger development-ready tracts for self-build homes, future projects, or as long-term investments to hold until the timing is right.

Few places have captured the public imagination quite like the Isle of Ulva. Once home to hundreds, Ulva’s population fell to just six residents before a landmark community buyout in 2018 marked a turning point. Interest has surged again thanks to Banjo Beale and Rohan Christopher, whose popular Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel follows their ambitious restoration of the historic Ulva House into a boutique hotel.

Filmed throughout 2025, the series shines a spotlight on Ulva’s character, logistical challenges and remarkable potential. With creativity, mishaps and sheer determination on display, the island is increasingly viewed not as a remote outpost, but as a place where bold ideas can take root – a narrative reinforced by community-led regeneration and renewed interest in settlement.

It is therefore no surprise that development land and plots on Ulva and across the surrounding region, marketed by Bell Ingram, are attracting heightened attention from buyers inspired by the island’s story.

Not everyone purchasing a plot intends to build immediately. A growing proportion of west coast buyers are securing land as part of a longer-term vision – waiting for finances, designs or life circumstances to align, or simply banking land for a future family project. One thing is certain: once you own a piece of the west coast, you have secured your place within one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

Bell Ingram continues to see strong demand for small lifestyle plots, ideal for self-build homes, holiday lets or future relocation, as well as larger parcels offering scope for multiple dwellings. These larger sites, often in scenic yet accessible locations, are particularly attractive to developers exploring opportunities for sustainable and affordable housing.

Beyond the recent media attention, the west coast’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of wilderness, heritage and strong communities. We are witnessing the benefits of renewed settlement through both private and community ownership models, with Ulva standing as a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities take control of their future and newcomers are inspired to play a part.

As Banjo jokes in the programme, “we’ve officially lost the plot”. In reality, however, many people are doing the opposite – finding their plot, and beginning their own west coast story.

For further information on plot and land sales across Argyll and the Highlands, please contact Andrew Fuller at Bell Ingram Oban.

Press Release Archive News

James Petty Helps Drive Salamander’s Offshore Wind Vision Forward

James Petty Helps Drive Salamander’s Offshore Wind Vision Forward

There’s nothing like a good site visit to bring a project to life – and that was very much the case when Aberdeen Partner James Petty recently joined the team behind the Salamander offshore wind project for a packed day on the ground. James even found himself in the spotlight, featuring in Salamander’s latest project newsletter following his involvement in a key site and supplier visit.

In his role as Land Agent, James met with the Salamander team at Lunderton to talk through plans for the onshore substation and its associated infrastructure. With his deep local knowledge, James brought valuable insight to the table – exactly the kind of collaboration needed to keep a complex renewable energy project moving smoothly forward.

The Lunderton visit formed part of a wider tour that took in Scotstown Beach, Peterhead and Aberdeen’s South Harbour. Along the way, the team explored local supply chain opportunities and the latest innovations shaping the offshore wind sector. These conversations highlight Salamander’s strong commitment to working with communities and partners as the project transitions from the consenting phase into technical delivery.

For those less familiar with the project, Salamander is a pioneering floating offshore wind development located off the northeast coast of Scotland. Its ambition? To accelerate Scotland’s renewable energy future, support local businesses and play a meaningful role in cutting carbon emissions.

This year alone has seen some major milestones, including securing seabed lease agreements and welcoming Odfjell Oceanwind as a new joint venture partner alongside Simply Blue Group and Subsea7. The adoption of Odfjell’s Deepsea Star™ foundation technology is expected to set new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability in challenging marine environments.

James’ involvement reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting projects that are shaping the next generation of clean energy infrastructure. With Salamander targeting construction from 2026 onwards, it’s an exciting time for everyone involved – and we’ll be watching its progress with great interest.

Press Release Archive News

New Recruits Strengthen Utilities Teams in Kendal and Northwich

New Recruits Strengthen Utilities Teams in Kendal & Northwich

Bell Ingram has strengthened its Utilities division with the appointment of six new staff members across its Kendal and Northwich offices. The expanded teams will ensure the firm continues to meet client commitments while driving new opportunities in the utilities and renewables sectors.

The new recruits bring a wealth of academic knowledge, practical experience, and fresh perspectives to the business:

  • Stephen McNally, Land Agent (Northwich): Stephen is an experienced Land Agent with over 13 years’ expertise in consenting overhead electricity distribution networks, FTTP broadband, and IoT telecommunications infrastructure. His career has seen him work extensively across the utilities and renewables sectors, delivering complex land access agreements, overseeing title deed verification, and managing stakeholder engagement from initial route planning through to reinstatement.
  • Malachi Fisher, Graduate Surveyor (Northwich): Malachi supports clients across Cumbria, with a particular focus on utilities and renewables. A First-Class Honours graduate in Agriculture from the Royal Agricultural University, he is now completing an MSc in Real Estate at the University of the Built Environment, working towards RICS accreditation.
  • Edward Ecroyd, Graduate Surveyor (Kendal): Edward joins the Kendal office, supporting clients across Cumbria. A graduate in Rural Land Management from the Royal Agricultural University, he brings both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience from working on agricultural and sporting estates in the Lake District. He is progressing through the RICS APC process via the Land & Resources pathway.
  • Jack Smith, Apprentice Surveyor (Northwich): Based in Northwich, Jack is studying Real Estate at the University of the Built Environment through their RICS-accredited apprenticeship programme. With a focus on utilities and renewables, Jack is committed to building his surveying career and will achieve MRICS status on completion of his apprenticeship.
  • Grace Cameron, Graduate Surveyor (Kendal): Grace has recently graduated with a BSc in Real Estate from Northumbria University. Now working towards becoming a chartered surveyor, she has a particular interest in the reuse of historic buildings, bringing both energy and a fresh perspective to the Kendal team.
  • Alan Smyth, Land Agent (Kendal): Alan brings significant experience in forestry, infrastructure, and agriculture to his new role. A graduate of the University of Central Lancashire with a BSc (Hons) in Forestry and Land Management, his career has included project management for national estates, senior leadership in vegetation contracts, and running a pedigree sheep enterprise in Cumbria. His breadth of expertise enhances the firm’s ability to deliver complex utilities projects.

Already, both Alan Smyth and Grace Cameron have delivered on challenging client deadlines and received excellent feedback, highlighting the immediate impact of the new cohort.

Commenting on the appointments, Neal Salomon, Partner in charge of Utilities and based in Northwich, said: “The utilities and renewables sectors are growing rapidly, and it’s vital we have the right people in place to support our clients’ evolving needs. These appointments strengthen our teams in Kendal and Northwich, ensuring we can deliver on our commitments while also exploring new opportunities across the North of England.”

Andrew Thompson, Senior Associate and head of the Kendal office, added: “It’s fantastic to welcome Edward, Grace, and Alan to Kendal. Each of them brings a unique mix of skills, energy, and local knowledge which will be invaluable to our clients. Their appointments demonstrate Bell Ingram’s ongoing investment in both experienced professionals and the next generation of surveyors.”

Operating across the north of England and Scotland, Bell Ingram’s Utilities teams act for all major utility companies in the UK. Their services span acquisitions and disposals, compulsory purchase, land referencing, wayleave agreements, compensation and claims, and expert witness work. The teams also provide GIS mapping, stakeholder engagement, and property advice – ensuring utility and infrastructure projects are delivered smoothly from planning to completion.

Press Release Archive News

Simon Hetherington Appointed Partner In Charge of Bell Ingram’s Morpeth Office

Simon Hetherington MRICS Appointed Partner In Charge of Bell Ingram’s Morpeth Office

Bell Ingram is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Hetherington MRICS as Partner in charge of the firm’s Morpeth office, taking over from long-standing Partner Steve Parlett.

Simon brings more than 25 years of experience as a Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor and joins the firm with a strong track record in the infrastructure and utilities sectors – a key focus for Bell Ingram’s Morpeth office. His career includes senior roles with National Highways and private consultancy, delivering infrastructure projects, land acquisition strategies, estate rationalisation, and stakeholder engagement across the UK.

His background aligns closely with the Morpeth team’s ongoing work in the Pipelines and Utilities sector, where Bell Ingram provides specialist land and property services to infrastructure providers, utility companies, and landowners throughout the North East and beyond.

Simon says: “I’m pleased to be joining Bell Ingram and to take on the role of leading the Morpeth office. The firm has a long-standing reputation for excellence in rural and infrastructure property services, and I’m particularly excited to support and grow our utilities and pipelines offering across the region.”

Mark Mitchell, Managing Partner at Bell Ingram, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Simon to the partnership. His knowledge of infrastructure and utility-related property issues is an ideal fit for our Morpeth office’s continued growth in this area. We also want to thank Steve Parlett for his years of exceptional service as Partner. While he has retired from the Partnership, we’re very pleased that Steve will continue his association with the firm in a consultancy role.”

Simon will be based at Bell Ingram’s Morpeth office, leading the team as they continue to deliver high-quality consultancy services across the pipelines, utilities, and rural sectors.

  • Simon (centre) is pictured with Managing Partner Mark Mitchell (left) and Senior Partner Malcolm Taylor (right).

Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page, The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Bell Ingram Appoints New Farm Management Consultant Richard Scrivener

Bell Ingram Appoints Richard Scrivener as Farm Management Consultant

Bell Ingram is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Scrivener as Farm Management Consultant, based at the firm’s Perth headquarters.

Richard works across the organisation to provide farmers and landowners with strategic support and expert advice. His role is focused on helping clients to maximise efficiency, improve profitability, and achieve their long-term business objectives.

With academic credentials in both Sustainable Land Management (University of Cumbria) and Business Management (University of the Highlands and Islands), Richard combines a strong understanding of rural enterprise with a passion for sustainability and conservation. Alongside his professional work, he also runs his own conservation farm, specialising in rare and native goat breeds that are at risk of extinction.

Richard says: “I’m thrilled to be joining Bell Ingram and to have the opportunity to support farmers and landowners across Scotland. My focus is on delivering practical, sustainable solutions that help clients to grow their businesses while protecting and enhancing the land for future generations.”

Mark Mitchell, Managing Partner at Bell Ingram, adds: “Richard’s technical ability, business acumen and passion for conservation make him ideally placed to bolster our farm management offering. We’re confident that his addition will bring tangible benefit to our clients in delivering commercially successful and sustainable farming enterprises.”

As part of his consultancy role, Richard will:

  • Undertake farm business reviews and health checks, benchmarking performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
  • Prepare investment appraisals, feasibility studies and risk analyses.
  • Advise on grant funding, subsidy applications, and environmental compliance.
  • Support farm diversification projects and new enterprise development.
  • Provide input on agronomy, livestock systems, crop rotations and nutrient management.
  • Oversee operational management and liaise with contractors where required.
  • Deliver regular reporting and performance monitoring to ensure businesses remain resilient and responsive to market conditions.
  • SAF advice and submission / help with rural payments.

For more information about Bell Ingram’s farm management services, please visit www.bellingram.co.uk

  • Richard is pictured above with Managing Partner Mark Mitchell.

Commercial, Design Case Studies

Modern Scottish Sporting Estate – Design & Project Management

Modern Scottish Sporting Estate – Design & Project Management

Brief

A modern Scottish sporting estate required support to design, manage and deliver a building project from conception through to completion. The client sought expert guidance on design, permissions and construction oversight to ensure the project was delivered efficiently and to a high standard.

Process

Bell Ingram Design worked closely with the client to bring the project to fruition, providing a comprehensive service which included:

• Developing the project scope and design in consultation with the client.
• Producing full design drawings and managing the planning application process.
• Running a tender process to select suitable contractors.
• Overseeing on-site works, responding to client alterations and resolving issues as they arose.
• Completing a full snagging inspection and signing off the project once works were finalised.

Outcome

The project was delivered to specification and completed to the client’s satisfaction. By combining design expertise, planning knowledge and on-the-ground project management, Bell Ingram ensured a smooth process and a successful result, giving the estate confidence in the long-term value and quality of the finished work.

Land Management Case Studies

Sustainable Estate Income through Hydropower

Sustainable Estate Income through Hydropower

Brief

As part of an estate’s strategy to diversify income and harness renewable energy, Bell Ingram was tasked with delivering a hydroelectric scheme from concept through to commissioning. The aim was to create a sustainable long-term revenue stream while making best use of the estate’s natural resources.

Process

Bell Ingram provided full project management and consultancy throughout every stage of the development, including:

• Identifying and evaluating the most suitable sites for hydro generation.
• Overseeing the competitive tender process to appoint design and construction engineers.
• Working with the client to agree scope and budgets.
• Running the full tender process for the construction company.
• Supervising planning applications and managing the construction phase in collaboration with consulting engineers.
• Overseeing commissioning and providing ongoing operational support through monthly monitoring, FIT submissions and energy import/export reporting.

The success of the initial hydro project led to Bell Ingram being appointed to deliver a second scheme on the estate, providing the same comprehensive consultancy service.

Outcome

The two schemes now generate 85kW and 95kW, producing a combined annual income of around £160,000 for the estate. As well as supporting financial resilience, the projects demonstrate how renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated into estate management to create long-term, sustainable benefits.

Forestry Case Studies, Land Management Case Studies

Net Zero Forestry Project – Scotland

Net Zero Forestry Project – Scotland

Brief

A major landowner required expert guidance to design and deliver a forestry planting scheme as part of its commitment to Net Zero. The project needed to balance commercial objectives with regulatory compliance and community engagement, ensuring both environmental and social value.

Process

Bell Ingram provided full consultancy and project management, working closely with the client and stakeholders throughout every stage of the scheme. This included:

• Agreeing the scope of proposed planting with the client.
• Applying to Forestry Land Scotland for planting approval.
• Selecting and instructing contractors.
• Supervising planting works on the ground, including collaboration with community groups involved in engagement initiatives.
• Signing off works on completion and submitting grant claims.
• Providing ongoing supervision and management of the sites to ensure long-term success.

Outcome

The forestry scheme was successfully delivered, creating new woodland to support the client’s Net Zero ambitions while also engaging and benefiting the local community. With Bell Ingram’s ongoing management, the sites will continue to provide both environmental and social value, demonstrating how professional estate management can drive sustainable outcomes.