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.

Land Management Case Studies

Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Highland Estate Management

Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Highland Estate Management

Brief

A prominent Highland estate required ongoing professional advice and support across a wide range of management issues. The client sought guidance on both day-to-day operational matters and longer-term strategic planning, including succession and renewable energy opportunities.

Process

Bell Ingram provides a dedicated employee delivering factoring services on the estate three days per week, ensuring the smooth running of operations and prompt attention to management issues. In addition, Bell Ingram works closely with the estate owners and trustees to deliver high-level consultancy, including:

• Specialist inheritance tax (IHT) and valuation advice to support succession planning and estate strategy.
• Attending on-site meetings with wind farm companies to advise on the re-powering and extension of existing schemes, as well as potential new standalone wind farm developments.
• Providing general estate management support, combining practical day-to-day oversight with strategic long-term planning.

Outcome

The estate benefits from Bell Ingram’s hands-on involvement and professional expertise, ensuring efficient management and positioning the estate to maximise opportunities. With robust IHT advice, proactive management of renewable energy projects, and regular on-the-ground support, Bell Ingram helps secure both present-day stability and future sustainability.

Farm & Estate Sales Page, Property Case Studies

Case Study: North Barns & Coltrannie Farms, Bankfoot

Case Study: North Barns & Coltrannie Farms, Bankfoot

Client: Private Landowner
Sector: Residential Estate Agency / Rural Property Sales
Location: Bankfoot, Perthshire

Challenge:
North Barns and Coltrannie Farms, located on either side of the A9 just north of Bankfoot, had been managed as a single farming operation despite being held under separate ownerships within the same family. The client, who had lived on the property since childhood, had decided to retire and instructed Bell Ingram to handle the sale. A key challenge involved the recent compulsory purchase of land to accommodate a new bridge over the dualled A9 – a structure designed to maintain safe access between the two holdings for agricultural machinery.

This added complexity to the preparation of sale and title plans, requiring careful interpretation of boundary changes and accurate documentation to support marketing and registration.

Solution:
Working closely with colleagues in our Forfar office, the Residential Agency team in Perth prepared the farms for market to coincide with the 2024 Royal Highland Show – a strategic decision to ensure visibility during a peak sales period.

One of the main challenges was producing precise sale plans due to the land adjustments linked to the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). Our in-house GIS team played a critical role in resolving this, meticulously mapping the revised boundaries and creating both the marketing plans and Land Registry-compliant Title Plans for submission to The Keeper. This ensured full legal accuracy and gave prospective buyers a clear understanding of the offering.

Outcome:
Marketing commenced two weeks prior to the Highland Show to maximise exposure. Despite the presence of a public footpath on the property, which made viewings harder to track, strong buyer interest led to a closing date being set just four weeks later.

Acceptable offers were received for both farms, with local buyers securing each holding. As neither required the traditional four-bedroom farmhouse included in the offering, it remained on the market separately and was successfully sold a few months later.

The coordinated efforts of our agency and GIS teams helped secure positive outcomes for the client while reinforcing Bell Ingram’s long-standing reputation in the Angus and Perthshire farming communities. Many of our agents come from agricultural backgrounds and understand the unique needs of farm sales – bringing a level of insight and trust that continues to make a difference for clients.

Press Release Archive News

Exceptional Country Home with Development Potential Hits the Market

Exceptional Country Home with Development Potential Hits the Market

Bell Ingram is delighted to present The Old Sawmill, a distinctive country house set in over two acres of gardens and grounds in the peaceful hamlet of Moneydie, just north of Perth. This exceptional property is available for offers over £880,000, with an additional 3.5 acres of woodland available by separate negotiation.

Nestled in a tranquil rural setting west of Luncarty village, The Old Sawmill enjoys the best of both worlds – peaceful countryside living with swift access to the A9 and all the amenities of nearby Perth.

Completed in 2015, the property boasts a striking and thoughtfully designed layout, centred around a private internal courtyard accessible from multiple points within the home. Externally, it showcases Denfind natural stone, Siberian larch cladding, a pitched slate roof, and Nordan timber double-glazed windows and doors – combining quality craftsmanship with natural materials that blend beautifully into the surrounding landscape.

Inside, the home features expansive oak flooring and impressive 2.7-metre ceiling heights throughout. The standout main public room benefits from a dramatic vaulted ceiling, while high-quality fixtures and fittings are used throughout, including American white oak doors and facings.

The landscaped grounds extend to just over two acres, primarily laid to lawn with mature flower and shrub borders. Outbuildings include stables, kennels, and a large polytunnel with power and water supply. Full, in-perpetuity planning consent has been granted for the construction of two additional dwellinghouses – offering exciting development potential.

In addition, 3.5 acres of mature woodland are available via separate negotiation. Two paddocks with a field shelter, under separate ownership, are located adjacent to the property and may be available for lease from the neighbouring farmer.

The property benefits from mains electricity and water, supplemented by free-standing solar panels. Heating is provided via a ground source heat pump, and drainage is managed by a septic tank.

Estate Agent Carl Warden commented: “This is a truly unique home that blends beautifully into its rural surroundings. Its thoughtful design, additional development opportunities, and peaceful setting with easy access to Perth make it a standout property in the market.”

For further information or to arrange a viewing, contact Carl Warden on 01738 621 121.

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Press Release Archive News

Elegant Family Home with Spacious Gardens for Sale in the Heart of Kinross

Elegant Family Home with Spacious Gardens for Sale in the Heart of Kinross

Bell Ingram is pleased to present The Grey House, a beautifully appointed traditional family home set in a generous private garden, ideally located in the heart of the well-regarded county town of Kinross. The property is offered to the market for offers over £560,000.

Built in 1926 and sympathetically extended in 2015, The Grey House now offers 239 m² of versatile living space, including three reception rooms, a spacious dining kitchen, and four bedrooms – two of which benefit from en suite facilities.

A hallmark of this charming home is its elegant curved entrance vestibule, complete with a cloak cupboard, which leads into a welcoming reception hall. A stunning timber staircase ascends to a mid-landing, beautifully lit by a bay window that sits above the vestibule. Throughout the property, the craftsmanship of the restored woodwork – seen in the staircase, doors, and facings – leaves a lasting impression.

The standout feature of the home is the impressive family room, which flows seamlessly from the large, well-equipped kitchen. Designed for modern living, this bright and inviting space features windows on three sides, flooding the room with natural light and offering stunning views over the expansive and secluded rear garden – perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

Kinross is a thriving and picturesque town offering a wide range of local amenities including shops, restaurants, and professional services. It is also home to the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, a scenic 13-mile circular route that celebrates the area’s rich natural, cultural, and historical landscape. Kinross enjoys excellent transport links, making it a popular choice for families and commuters alike.

Estate Agent Carl Warden commented: “The Grey House is a stunning family property in one of Kinross’s most desirable areas. It’s within walking distance of local schools and amenities, yet surrounded by green space and heritage. It offers the perfect balance of comfort, character, and convenience.”

To find out more or to arrange a viewing, contact Carl Warden on 01738 621121.

 

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GIS Mapping Page, The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Mapping the Future: Helen’s Path from Sustainability Studies to GIS Solutions

Mapping the Future: Helen’s Path from Sustainability Studies to GIS Solutions

We’re pleased to introduce Helen Heartwood, who has joined Bell Ingram’s Utilities & Renewables team as a Graduate GIS Technician. Based in our Perth office, Helen supports a wide range of projects across the utilities, rural land management and forestry sectors. She brings strong geospatial skills to help deliver practical, data-led solutions that support both clients and internal teams.

Helen recently completed her MSc in Sustainability and Environmental Modelling at the University of Dundee. With a solid academic foundation and a clear passion for rural and environmental issues in Scotland and beyond, she’s already proving to be a valuable member of the team.

Can you tell us a bit about your role and what it involves?

As a Graduate GIS Technician, I support the team by producing maps, conducting spatial data analysis and contributing to a wide range of projects involving land use management and utilities. My role is varied, and I enjoy the opportunity to apply technical tools like GIS to real-world challenges.

What attracted you to this opportunity at Bell Ingram?

I grew up in rural Dumfries and Galloway and have been interested in land management and farming from an early age. Bell Ingram’s strong links to rural land management, combined with its multidisciplinary approach, really appealed to me. The chance to gain hands-on experience while completing my postgraduate studies has been ideal. I also appreciate working on projects that have a tangible impact on the landscape and local communities.

What experience or areas of expertise do you bring to the team?

My academic background spans environmental regulation, geospatial analysis and sustainability principles. I’ve worked with GIS, R for statistical programming, remote sensing and have training in surveying, AutoCAD and construction science. I’m particularly interested in global land change, conservation and the intersection between environmental science and policy.

My path into this field has been a bit unconventional – after earning my undergraduate degree in 2010, I spent several years working in commercial kitchens and hospitality. That experience gave me a different perspective and a real appreciation for clear communication. I aim to present information in a way that’s accessible, even to someone without a technical background.

Growing up in a small rural community where my mum has been actively involved in local projects sparked my interest in sustainable rural and community development – something that’s been further reinforced through my studies.

What do you enjoy most about your work so far?

I really enjoy the practical side of the job – taking what I’ve learned in university and applying it to real projects. The variety keeps things interesting, and I value the collaborative nature of the team. There’s always something new to learn.

I’ve especially enjoyed working on everything from small title and sale plans to identifying ownership of large areas of land. And I love that I can bring my dog, Cleo, into the office – she’s definitely made herself at home under the radiator and has become part of the Bell Ingram family!

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work and my studies, I love spending time outdoors – whether that’s walking Cleo (pictured above), heading out on my bike or exploring Scotland’s natural landscapes. I’m still a keen cook after my time working in kitchens, and I also enjoy painting and reading nature books.

Farm & Estate Sales Page, The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

I’m Hearing The Same Thing From Farmers Everywhere – They’re Thinking About Selling, Just Not Yet

I’m Hearing the Same Thing from Farmers Everywhere – They’re Thinking About Selling, Just Not Yet

By Rhona Booth, Partner

As both a farmer and someone working closely with rural clients here in Angus, I get to see things from both sides. And right now, when it comes to farm sales, there’s a definite pattern emerging.

I’ve got a lot of clients telling me they plan to sell – just not yet. The intention is there, but the commitment isn’t. Most of them are in their late 50s, with no obvious successors coming through behind them. They’re thinking about the future, they know a sale might be the right step at some point … but taking that first move is hard.

And I completely understand why.

Selling a farm isn’t just about land and money – it’s about legacy, identity, and everything that’s been built over a lifetime. Add to that the uncertainty around government support and the upcoming inheritance tax changes, and it’s no wonder people are hesitant.

From April 2026, the proposed cap on agricultural property relief for inheritance tax purpises is £1 million – means anything above that could face a hefty tax bill. For some, that’s a real trigger to start planning. But for others, it’s just another complication that makes the decision even harder.

That’s why I think this is the right time to keep the conversation going — not just this year, but over the next few. Even if you’re not ready to sell now, there’s real value in starting to explore your options early. It helps take the pressure off and gives you the chance to make informed choices when the time feels right.

Our team is here for that exact reason. We’re not here to push you into selling – just to offer a sounding board, a bit of advice, and a chance to talk things through.

If you’ve been mulling it over quietly, or you just want to understand what a sale might look like down the line, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to have that first conversation – and it might be the most useful one you have this year.

Contact Rhona Booth on 01307 462 516 or email rhona.booth@bellingram.co.uk.