The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

People make Inverness one of the happiest places to live in Scotland

People make Inverness one of the happiest places to live in Scotland

Inverness was among the happiest places to live in Scotland during 2023.

Each year online property portal Rightmove asks people to share what makes them happy about where they live, and what they believe makes it special. Its Happy at Home Index, now in its 12th year, surveyed 26,000 people across the UK to gauge their opinion of their area based on 13 happiness factors.

From residents’ sense of pride and belonging to the local services and amenities on offer, Rightmove then pulled together a list of the happiest places to live in the UK based on the scores people gave their local area.

For the second year in a row Galashiels took the top spot as the “happiest” place to live in Scotland, with Inverness following a close second.

According to the survey, it’s often less tangible things such as community spirit as well as a sense of belonging which contribute toward people’s opinions of their homes, though for 2023 living near green spaces and natural beauty was another highlight.

Commenting on the survey, Joanne Stennett from Bell Ingram’s Highland office said: “My family were lucky enough to relocate to the area 12 years ago from the West Coast. I must say it is the best move we have ever made. We have beaches and mountains within easy reach as well as lochs for swimming and bike tracks in the forests. The airport also allows us to fly to various destinations within the UK and abroad.”

But it’s not just the friendly locals that makes the region worth visiting, Inverness offers a host of appealing factors that make it an attractive location for homebuyers.

Natural Beauty and Tranquil Lifestyle: Inverness-shire is known for its stunning natural landscapes, featuring dramatic mountains and picturesque lochs. If you value a low stress lifestyle and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, buying a home in Inverness-shire provides the opportunity to enjoy these scenic surroundings daily. The region offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Outdoor Recreation Opportunities: Inverness-shire is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, golfing, biking, fishing, or water sports, the region provides a plethora of recreational opportunities. Having a home in Inverness-shire means easy access to walking trails, and various outdoor activities, contributing to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Rich Cultural Heritage and History: Inverness-shire has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with landmarks, castles, and museums that showcase its fascinating past.

Community Atmosphere: Many towns and villages in Inverness-shire and surrounding areas offer a strong sense of community. Buying a home in such an area can provide a supportive and welcoming environment. Local events, festivals, and community activities foster a sense of belonging, making it easier to connect with neighbours and build lasting relationships.

Quality of Life and Amenities: Inverness-shire provides a high quality of life with a good balance of modern amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. Inverness offers shopping centres, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services, ensuring that residents have access to everything they need. Additionally, the region’s well-maintained infrastructure contributes to a comfortable living experience.

Before making a decision to buy a home, it’s crucial to consider factors such as your personal preferences, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Conducting thorough research and potentially visiting the area can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and aspirations.

 

 

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The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Mull tops the list of Scotland’s most desirable locations

Visitors rank Scotland’s most desirable locations – and Mull tops the list

Looking for your next move? Office space consultancy Freeofficefinder.com has ranked the most desirable places to live in Scotland using the number of views each location received on TikTok – and Mull tops the list!

With more and more people working from home these days, relocating to a picturesque Scottish island offers open green spaces, good for the soul, a space to boost mental health, a place to spend more quality time with family while at work.

Mull is a spectacular island, a wonderful place for those looking to escape a high-paced lifestyle. To the north of the island, Tobermory is famous for its colourful painted houses, a picturesque coastal town with a thriving social scene. Heading further south, the Ross of Mull offers stunning coastal views, where pink granite rocks meet crystal clear seas, creating a dramatic landscape.

Mull Property Expert Andrew Fuller, Bell Ingram Oban, explains, “I’ve been living on the Isle of Mull since 2016, having spent a lot of my childhood holidays exploring the island. It truly is a wonderful place to live and work, with plenty of community events and activities to get involved with. I’m able to guide clients who are looking to relocate to Mull, offering advice on the many quirks of island living.

“Employment opportunities are regularly advertised on the island, however we also seeing many clients opting to work from home, the perfect work/life balance. Families moving to Mull will find good educational options for their children, with several primary schools located around island, and a high school in Tobermory. There is also a property type to suit every budget, from one-bedroom coastal flats to grand estate houses.

“Most properties in this area offer incredible value when compared to other regions in the UK. The leisurely pace of life and the breathtaking surroundings combine to create a tapestry of adventures, making every single moment truly worthwhile.”

But it’s not just mesmerising views and astonishing wildlife that makes the Scotland’s islands worth visiting, both Mull and Islay in particular offer a raft of appealing factors that make them an attractive location for homebuyers. Here are five reasons to consider trying island life:

Scenic Beauty: Mull is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and picturesque lochs. The island is home to diverse wildlife, including sea eagles, seals, and otters. If you appreciate natural beauty and tranquillity, buying a house in Mull allows you to immerse yourself in stunning surroundings.

Outdoor Recreation: Mull provides abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and water sports. With numerous trails, coastal paths, and waterways to explore, residents can enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle in a pristine natural environment.

Island Community: Mull has a close-knit and welcoming community. If you’re looking for a place where people know each other, and there’s a strong sense of community spirit, Mull might just be the ideal location. The welcoming population contributes to a friendly atmosphere and a sense of belonging.

Rich History and Culture: Mull has a rich history, with ancient castles, archaeological sites, and traditional Scottish culture. Living in Mull allows you to immerse yourself in the local history and traditions, providing a unique and enriching cultural experience.

Escape from Urban Life: If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mull offers a serene escape. With a slower pace of life, clean air, and minimal light pollution, you can enjoy a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle on the island.

Keep in mind that while Mull has its unique charm, it’s essential to thoroughly research the practical aspects of island living, such as transportation, amenities, and local services, before making a decision to relocate.

Here are the seven “most desirable places to live” in Scotland according to the research.

Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute

Braemar, Aberdeenshire

Craigellachie, Moray

Isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute

Killearn, Stirling

Gullane, East Lothian

Elie, Fife

*Source Freeofficefinder.com

Contact Andrew, Laura or Mairi to arrange your no obligation market appraisal. Tel: 01631 566 122 or oban@bellingram.co.uk

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The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Booking.com ranks the most welcoming places on earth – and Perthshire tops the list

Booking.com ranks the most welcoming places on earth – and Perthshire tops the list

Looking for your next move? Booking.com has revealed a full list of the most welcoming places in the world – and Perthshire in Scotland takes first place.

The ranking by the popular online travel agency placed the county first, with Penghu, Taiwan in second place, followed by Boyacá, Colombia, in third.

The list was identified based on the share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024* from Booking.com.

Perthshire Property Expert Carl Warden, Bell Ingram’s Head of Estate Agency, says: “There are so many attractive features that make Perthshire such a draw for purchasers, many of whom are coming from across the border. The recent lockdown has focussed so much attention on quiet and peaceful locations, with open space and the ability to work remotely. Perth and the surrounding areas are perfect for this and I am delighted to offer so many lovely properties to the market.”

But it’s not just friendly locals that makes the region worth visiting, Perthshire offers several appealing factors that make it an attractive location for homebuyers looking for property for sale in Perthshire. Here are five reasons to consider buying a home in what locals call “the Big County”:

Natural Beauty and Tranquil Lifestyle:

Perthshire is known for its stunning natural landscapes, featuring rolling hills, picturesque lochs, and lush greenery. If you value a tranquil lifestyle and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, buying a home in Perthshire provides the opportunity to enjoy these scenic surroundings daily. The region offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Outdoor Recreation Opportunities:

Perthshire is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, golfing, fishing, or water sports, the region provides a plethora of recreational opportunities. Having a home in Perthshire means easy access to nature reserves, walking trails, and various outdoor activities, contributing to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Rich Cultural Heritage and History:

Perthshire has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with landmarks, castles, and museums that showcase its fascinating past. Owning a home in Perthshire means being surrounded by history, giving you the chance to explore and appreciate the region’s heritage. Scone Palace, Blair Castle, and the historic town of Dunkeld are just a few examples of the cultural gems in Perthshire.

Community Atmosphere:

Many towns and villages in Perthshire offer a strong sense of community. Buying a home in such an area can provide a supportive and welcoming environment. Local events, festivals, and community activities foster a sense of belonging, making it easier to connect with neighbours and build lasting relationships.

Quality of Life and Amenities:

Perthshire provides a high quality of life with a good balance of modern amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. Cities like Perth offer shopping centres, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services, ensuring that residents have access to everything they need. Additionally, the region’s well-maintained infrastructure contributes to a comfortable living experience.

Before making a decision to buy a home, it’s crucial to consider factors such as your personal preferences, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Conducting thorough research and potentially visiting the area can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and aspirations.

The 10 most welcoming regions on Earth

Perthshire, Scotland

Penghu, Taiwan

Boyacá, Colombia

Trentino – Alto Adige, Italy

Los Lagos, Chile

Erongo, Namibia

Otago, New Zealand

Lapland, Finland

Asturias, Spain

Friesland, Netherlands

*Source: Booking.com

To arrange your no obligation market appraisal, contact Carl Warden on 01738 621 121.

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The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Scottish Government launches managing deer for nature consultation

Scottish Government launches managing deer for nature consultation

by Hamish Hope, Surveyor

On 5th January 2024, the Scottish Government launched a consultation on major proposals to change the law around deer management in Scotland.

The proposals outlined in the consultation, Managing Deer for Climate and Nature, are designed to ensure that legislation aligns with challenges posed by the biodiversity and climate crises. 

Surveyor Hamish Hope, from Bell Ingram’s Beauly office, says: “It is widely understood that deer management is a required and effective tool to manage forestry and land. With increasing concerns regarding climate change and the biodiversity crisis, we welcome the opportunity to respond to the consultation and will be encouraging our estate clients to upload their feedback to ensure that any decisions are made with a sound understanding of the issues and implications.”

With no natural predators, people have long been the managers of deer to protect forestry and biodiversity loss while providing much needed employment in rural communities. 

The consultation is seeking views set out within six themes: enhancing the natural environment, compliance, wild deer welfare, changes to close seasons, venison and kept and farmed deer. The purpose of the consultation is to update legislation regarding how deer is managed to ensure the law is fit for purpose to tackle the biodiversity and climate crises.

The new proposals include:

Granting NatureScot additional powers through the creation of Deer Management Nature Restoration Orders. This would allow NatureScot to enter land to carry out deer management activities where it sees fit.

Welfare of wild and kept deer. This includes the recommendations that the use of a shotgun to kill wild deer should be subject to authorisation by NatureScot; the taking of live deer should be authorised by NatureScot; and a code of practice should be produced for the taking or live capture of deer.

Changes to close seasons, recommending the removal of the close season for male deer and to introduce a new order to alter the close season for females to 15th April to 15th.

There are further proposals and recommendations in the consultation for consideration including venison licensing and kept and farmed deer. The full consultation can be read and responded to here and is open for response until 29th March 2024.

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The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

The balancing act of juggling care with career

Juggling care and career: Why supporting carers in the workplace is the right thing to do

My lovely mother-in-law describes her 50s, 60s and 70s as her “golden years”. As she keeps reminding my husband and I: “Your father and I were travelling the world when we were your age, or we were out and about meeting friends or at the bowling club.”

And so they were! Able to draw their pensions (state and private) at 60 and 65-years-old respectively, they enjoyed a long, happy and comfortable retirement unencumbered by caring responsibilities either for each other or for their parents who had passed away decades beforehand.

At 57, my “golden years” on the other hand are shaping up somewhat differently. Since May 2022 when my mum (86) collapsed with sepsis from a urinary infection, I’ve been sharing her care and that of my 92-year-old father, who has late-stage prostate cancer, with my younger sister (53), who is herself recovering from cancer treatment. Both mum and dad are now housebound and require 24-hour support which includes everything from meal preparation to toileting.

Fortunately, we were able to access a council care package for mum, which means two carers visit four times a day, but my dad is still waiting to be assessed. To pick up the slack and allow our much-loved parents to remain in their own home, my sister has given up her full-time job to be their primary carer with me staying over 48 hours each week to give her a break.

Added to this are my caring responsibilities for my mother-in-law who, despite living quite independently at 93-years-old, was widowed during the Covid lockdown and requires help with shopping and all the other bits and pieces that become so much more difficult when we get that little bit older.

Throughout all of this my job as Marketing Manager at Bell Ingram has been a lifeline, not just financially (as my husband was forced to retire earlier than expected due to a stroke), but as a means of living a life outside caring. Just having a natter with other people and hearing the banter of office life is a real tonic when things are rough at home.

I consider myself extremely lucky to work for a company which believes that supporting carers is the right thing to do and this ethos has allowed me to stay in a job that I love and progress my career.

It’s important to stress that Bell Ingram doesn’t just pay “lip-service” to carer inclusion. In practical terms, my boss has given me the green light to work from my parents’ home two days a week which has been a game-changer. Instead of driving back and forward from Perth to Glasgow twice a week, I now have a home office in their flat where I can do a full day’s work, while still being available to cook meals, let in doctors and carers, and keep an eye on them during the night.

Being a carer can be overwhelming at times and I also count myself blessed to work with people who have been amazingly supportive when I’ve had a bit of a tearful meltdown in ladies’ loo or on one mortifying occasion while serving drinks at our stand at the Royal Highland Show!

I am also part of Bell Ingram’s Carer Network which was formed recently as a platform for colleagues who identify as carers to talk frankly about the challenges of juggling our caring responsibilities with our working lives.

We met for the first time on Teams earlier this month and I found it really helpful to share my experiences with people who fully appreciated the physical and emotional toll of caring for loved ones.

It was also a chance to share information about the support that’s available from local or national charities, benefits that can be claimed, and tips on how carers can maintain their own well-being.

I know it’s a cliché but the last three years have been a rollercoaster for me and my family, and it’s taught me to be grateful for what I’ve got, to celebrate the small wins and not dwell on the future. I may not be travelling the world like my in-laws did at my age, but I have my family, my friends and a job I love … and that’s more than enough.

 

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Press Release Archive News

Three coastal properties for sale in prestigious island locations

Three coastal properties for sale in prestigious island locations

Three stunning costal properties in the Inner Hebrides have entered the market at under £600,000.

Located on the ever-popular islands of Tiree, Islay and Mull respectively, Hynish House, Beth Shean and Redburn all benefit from wonderful waterfront locations and are ideally suited to lovers of the great outdoors.

Andrew Fuller from Bell Ingram’s Oban Office says: “These three very special properties offer exciting opportunities for buyers looking for family homes and lifestyle opportunities on the islands.

“All three are close to local amenities while being surrounded by the stunning landscape and outdoor opportunities which make Scotland’s islands so attractive to those seeking a quieter and more serene lifestyle.”

On the market at o/o £575,000, Hynish House is a five-bedroom family home in an elevated location above Hynish Heritage Village in Tiree with far-reaching views across to Mull and Iona.

The white-washed detached property, set over two levels, features lovely reception rooms with period features, a large kitchen, utility room, family bathroom and five bedrooms on the upper floor. There is also a mature garden with a lovely sitting area at the front of the house to make the most of the spectacular views.

Perched on the picturesque Oa Peninsula on the Isle of Islay, Beth Shean is an ideal family home with holiday let potential.

For sale at o/o £395,000, this architect-designed property has a combined lounge/dining room, kitchen, utility room and an accessible bedroom on the ground floor, with two further bedrooms, dressing room and stylish shower room on the first floor. There is also an attached conservatory which makes the most of the far-reaching views.

Set in the sleepy community of Lochdon on the Isle of Mull, Redburn is an extensive croft house offering buyers an opportunity to acquire a traditional four-bedroom property benefitting from a tranquil waterfront location.

On the market at o/o £375,000, this wonderful family home is currently operating as a bed and breakfast. The accommodation is set over two floors, with a dining, lounge, kitchen, utility and two bedrooms on the ground floor and two en-suite bedrooms on the first floor.

To the left of the house, a separate area of the garden has been granted planning permission for the erection of a 1 ½ story property, offering scope for those looking to develop a holiday let business.

For more information about any of these properties or to request a viewing, please contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 567 791 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk

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Press Release Archive News

Bell Ingram strengthens its rural land management team with three new appointments in Perth

Bell Ingram strengthens its rural land management team with three new appointments in Perth

Leading land and property specialist Bell Ingram has strengthened its Rural Land Management team with three new appointments in Perth.

New recruits Douglas Ogilvie, Isla Shaw and Niall Blair will be based at the company’s Perth HQ but will work with clients across Scotland.

Douglas Ogilvie, from Milnathort, joins the business as a Farm Management Consultant further broadening Bell Ingram’s strength and expertise in the wider farming industry. He will specialise in farm management, contract farming agreements, Single Farm Payments and other grant schemes.

Douglas has over 36 years’ experience in farm management having worked in this role for Andersons, Smiths Gore, Savills and the SAC.

Isla Shaw, from Saline, Fife, joins the business at Senior Associate level and arrives from Galbraith where she spent six years carrying out Sales, Valuations and Lettings. At Bell Ingram, Isla will advise on all aspects of estate and farm management and undertake a range of rural valuations.

Isla’s background is in livestock farming, having been brought up on the family beef and sheep farm in Fife. She is a graduate of SRUC in Edinburgh and is a RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer.

Niall Blair joins the Rural team as a RICS Surveyor with 20 years’ experience in land management. Having trained initially as an agricultural advisor/land agent in the Scottish borders, Niall went onto work for Tarmac Ltd. where he practiced a mix of mineral, commercial and rural surveying.

Niall has a wealth of experience in practical farm management and currently runs his own upland farming business in the Angus Glens.

Mark Mitchell, Managing Partner at Bell Ingram, said: “We are delighted to welcome Douglas, Isla and Niall on board. This substantial expansion of our Rural Land Management team in Perth is in response to increasing demand for our specialised services to longstanding and new clients.”

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Farm & Estate Sales Page, Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page

Retiral leads to farm machinery dispersal sale near Hartlepool

Farm Machinery Dispersal Sale

SATURDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2023 AT 11AM

AT CLAXTON FARM, HARTLEPOOL, TS22 5PT

On behalf of R D Dryden (retiring)

To include: New Holland TX36 20’ cut combine K Reg, 4,040 hrs, self-levelling shoe, chopper & trolley; Clayton Bugge 24m Sprayer c/w Chafer tank; Maschio Power Harrow/Accord drill combination; 2 x Dowdeswell 5F Ploughs; Vaderstad Rapid 30 S mounted drill; Parmiter 12’6” Discs; Howard 100” Rotaspike; Lely 3 ½ m P. Harrow; Kuhn 4m & 3 ½ m P. Harrows; Twin leg sub soiler; Blench Packer; Simba 4m trailed press; Edlington 6m Rollers; N-H 286 Baler; Ritchie 56 Bale Carrier; Browns Flat 8 Sledge; 5 Round Bale Carrier; 14T Trailer; JCB 3C.

Included by permission: Ford Ranger 19 Reg c. 26,000 miles 3.2 6 speed manual, tow bar.

On behalf of Mrs M J Dryden: Deutz DX 450 4wd c/w Alo loader; John Deere 2650 2wd; MAN 8-163 7 ½ t Truck (no test); N-H 1530 12’ cut combine; Petbow FC48 60Kva generator; Kuhn 3m P. Harrow/Accord drill combi; J-D 359 small baler; J-D 550 R Baler; Dowdeswell 4+1 Rev Plough; Ransomes 4F Plough; 2 Sets Cambridge Rolls; Small trailed sprayer; 2 Sets Discs; P-Z Haybob; 56 Bale Carrier; Bale squeezer; Parmiter Post Knocker; Slurry Tanker; Drainage pipes; Various Dual Wheels; Rice Trailer; Manitou (scrap).

Produce: 75 R Bales Haylage. No small tools. Refreshments available.

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Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page

Race is on to find sites suitable for battery storage but farmers urged not to be blindsided by developers

Race is on to find sites suitable for battery storage but farmers urged not to be blindsided by developers

Renewables experts at Bell Ingram are urging farmers to think carefully about the potential impact on their business before agreeing to leasing land for renewables projects.

As the UK works towards its target to operate a zero-carbon electricity system by 2035, the race is on to find sites available for large scale battery storage, solar, hydrogen and wind projects.

With such high demand, farmers are being approached up and down the country by developers offering the incentive of a substantial additional income to lease their land.

For many the approach is an attractive proposition. However, Rhona Booth, Land Agent and Senior Associate at Bell Ingram believes farmers must think about the implications on their businesses before signing on the dotted line.

Rhona says: “The UK is completely transforming the way in which we distribute energy and this will have a huge knock on effect for landowners and occupiers across the country. As a result, we are experiencing an increase in enquiries from farmers and clients who have been approached by developers looking for land for new renewables projects, in particular solar and battery storage.

“While there are certainly good deals to be done, especially for those looking for a solid retiral or succession plan, there is a long list of things to take into account when considering if this is the right move for your farming business.

“Infrastructure projects such as these require land, not just for the footprint of the site, but for access, construction compounds and habitat management plans, which is a much bigger commitment than most realise. One must also consider the logistics of getting the land back at the end of the lease and the reinstatement of working crops.

“Therefore, farmers must weigh up the effects on their current business and future plans as well as the potential for depreciation on home value and assets against the likely financial gain.”

For more information on leasing land for renewables projects, or if you have been contacted by a developers about leasing land and want to make sure you are getting a fair deal, contact Rhona Booth on 01738 621121 or email rhona.booth@bellingram.co.uk

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