Opportunity to own luxury five-star holiday business ‘away from the cares of the world’
Land Agent Catherine Lawson delivers SAAVA tutorial
Bell Ingram’s Catherine Lawson delivered the Scottish Agricultural Arbiters and Valuers’ Association (SAAVA) August tutorial at Easter Craigduckie Farm near Dunfermline recently.
The tutorial, which provides guidance and practical exam experience to probationer members in preparation for their CAAV exams, was well attended and offered plenty of discussion opportunities.
Forfar-based Associate Catherine is keen to encourage more land agents to take these examinations, preferably alongside their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become a qualified chartered surveyor.
She explained: “The FAAV qualification is particularly relevant to our work as rural chartered surveyors and gives clients confidence that they are dealing with someone who really knows what they are talking about when it comes to agricultural matters.
“The exam tests the candidates’ knowledge on a broad range of agricultural topics including agricultural practices, valuation, law, taxation, rights over land, development, landlord and tenant, professional practice, and general knowledge of the countryside. However, the emphasis is very much on instilling a practical understanding of agricultural valuation and land agency and for that reason the qualification is highly respected among clients, colleagues and peers.
“The exam itself is tough and challenging, but it’s also incredibly useful preparation for what happens in the real world and the sense of accomplishment when you pass is immense.
“In my job as a Land Agent working as part of Bell Ingram’s Land Management team, I could be sitting in the office filling out IACS forms one minute or valuating land for clients the next. The variety is what makes the job so interesting and I’m glad I took CAAV Fellowship route and would strongly encourage others to do so too.”
Candidates (who will already be ‘Probationer’ members of CAAV and Scottish affiliated SAAVA) must attend the equivalent of four full day tutorials before sitting the exam. At least two years’ relevant work experience is also recommended.
The two-day exam involves written, oral and practical elements, with the latter taking place on site at a working farm with the questions replicating real life situations as closely as possible. Candidates must gain a mark of 65% overall, with 60% or more in each of the three elements in order to pass the exam.
SAAVA Secretary Debbie Edmondson said: “Well done to all involved in the recent tutorial at Craigduckie Farm and especially Catherine Lawson for all the advance preparation which SAAVA greatly appreciates. A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to deliver these training days. Very best of luck to our probationary members sitting the CAAV exams in November.”
The location of Easter Craigduckie Farm (Craigduckie Shepherds Huts) was by kind permission of former Bell Ingram Land Agent (and now consultant) Katie Roberts and family.
Article posted on 07/09/2022
Increased rates for Basic Payment Scheme and Greening 2022Following a budget review, farmers and crofters in Scotland are set to receive an increased rate on Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payments for 2022.Details of the revised rates will be published to the RP&S website. Below is a table of the revised rates for information.Payments relating to BPS, Young Farmers Payment and Greening are due to commence at the end of September.The revised rates for 2022 are:Table 1 – Payment rates for BPS and Greening 2022:
Table 2 – Combined payment rates for BPS and Greening 2022 compared to the 2021 rates:
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Article posted on 01/09/2022
New showroom for Stirling SKODA
Creating a new modern facility for this iconic brand.
Brief
In 2016 Bell Ingram Design (BID) was appointed to design a new showroom for Skoda West End located in Stirling. The basis of the design was to create new modern facility positioned on a site by Forthside Way, located approximately half a mile from the city centre. The new premises includes showroom space for eight cars and contains a workshop garage for MOT services.
Process
The existing area was to be cleared of trees and shrubs and de-stoned to include a grass edge to the site. The selected location for the showroom presented challenging ground conditions, consequently, the design was approached with careful consideration of the building’s foundation.
Outcome
A crucial part of the brief was to incorporate a variety of signage for Skoda which was visible from all relevant approaches to the site for heightened consumer interaction. This was to include branded flags, logo walls on active frontages and a prominent entrance portal for customers. Internally, a mezzanine level was included to create more floor area which contains an additional manager office and meeting space with glazed screening to overlook the double height showroom below.
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Article posted on 01/09/2022
New inquiry into sustainable timber and deforestation
A new parliamentary inquiry will examine the UK’s sustainable timber industry and the UK’s contribution to global deforestation.
The inquiry by the Environmental Audit Committee will investigate how the UK, which imports most of its timber, can best scale up a sustainable, resilient domestic timber sector and reduce its reliance on imports.
In addition, the inquiry will examine the degree to which UK supply chains contribute to deforestation overseas and the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to curb this. Consideration will also be given to how the UK works with international partners to tackle deforestation.
Geoff Brown, Bell Ingram’s Head of Forestry, said: “I’m sure that this new inquiry into the UK timber industry and global deforestation will be welcomed across the forestry sector as it’s vital that we ensure our timber industry is future proofed and can support ambitious net zero targets across the UK’s four administrations while at the same time giving us a better understanding of the worldwide impact of any imports.”
This inquiry welcomes submissions until Thursday 8 September 2022. Search the UK Government website for more details.
Find out more about our Forestry services here.
Article posted on 01/09/2022
Modern family living on offer at brand new development close to Huntly
Bell Ingram is delighted to bring a stunning new development of family homes, close to Huntly, Aberdeenshire, to the market.
The Steading comprises five family homes with prices ranging between £210,000 and £325,000. Additional land for grazing or additional garden space is available by separate negotiation.
Surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, the hamlet is located on the edge of the village of Forgue and close to historic GlenDronach Distillery.
The attractive three- and four-bedroom properties are currently under construction with anticipated completion dates from November 2022. Modern in their outlook, the properties provide luxurious living and entertainment space for growing families.
1 & 2 The Steading are both detached four-bedroom homes with integral double garages. 2 The Steading sits adjacent to a large outbuilding extending to about 4500 ft2 and this is being separately offered with this house and will be restricted to private non-commercial use only.
3 The Steading is a detached three-bedroom home with an integral garage, while 4 & 5 The Steading will be two semi-detached three-bedroom homes.
Primary schooling is available at Forgue with further primary and secondary schooling at Huntly. The village of Forgue is situated around 10 miles from Huntly, an historic town which prospered during the 18th century through the expanding linen industry. Today, there is a swimming pool, sports grounds, golf course, play park and river walks.
Commenting on the new development, Head of Estate Agency, Carl Warden says: “This development is an exciting addition to the housing market in the North East, offering potential buyers the opportunity for modern family living in a glorious setting.
“Judging by initial reaction, this will be a popular development and we would encourage those who are interested in reserving a plot to get in touch as soon as possible.”
For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Carl Warden on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk.
Article posted on 25/08/2022
Stunning converted farmhouse offers idyllic family life for new owners
Listening to Graham Wilson talk about his much-loved home at Achavaich, a family haven for the last two decades, it’s a story of idyllic childhoods and carefree rural living that you can’t help to be in awe of.
Achavaich near Connell in Argyll and Bute is a beautifully presented traditional farmhouse with converted barn, set in the stunning surroundings with far reaching views across the undulating countryside.
Once home to Graham’s young family with two girls, the house was a beloved family home during their childhood years where they have cherished memories of walking out the front gate to the nearby hills and beyond.
After moving to Glasgow for work commitments the home was passed on to Graham’s parents who stayed in Achavaich before moving on to residential care.
“The girls have happy memories of the home, especially the surrounding countryside – the hills and sea were their playgrounds. They have a real attachment to the Achavaich, especially as it was passed on to grandparents after we moved south,” Graham says.
Graham’s family bought the home from the surrounding Estate when they upgraded the traditional farmhouse into a comfortable family home. The home comprises two bedrooms and the large barn conversion maintains original features including exposed beams and a free-standing log burner.
Adding to the ambience, an open grate fireplace sits within a wooden fire surround in one of the traditional living areas, offering warmth and comfort in equal measure. To the front of the property, a doorway leads to the conservatory, which in turn offers superb, panoramic views across the front garden and surrounding countryside to Ben Cruachan.
The property is surrounded by mature garden gardens to the front and rear, with a carefully chosen selection of plants and shrubs creating floral display throughout the year.
Achavaich is set on the fringe of the popular coastal village of Connel, a short drive from the villages of North Connel and Benderloch. Graham describes the rural setting as the perfect place for a carefree childhood with fond memories of letting his children roam freely around the grounds.
Finally, Graham adds: “With the passing of my father and move of my mother to residential care, the circle has now been completed for our family at Achavaich, and although we will always be connected to the local area, we are looking forward passing the home on to another family or couple to make their own cherished memories in this special place.”
For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 566122 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk.
Article posted on 17/08/2022
The Property Expert: Spotlight on Magnificent Mull
It was voted one of the UK’s best places to live by the Sunday Times … and lovers of island living now have SEVEN reasons to put down roots on Mull.
Bell Ingram is marketing a number of exceptional properties on this postcard pretty island made famous by children’s TV favourite Balamory.
Island resident Andrew Fuller, who heads up our Estate Agency service across Argyll and Bute, takes his pick of charming properties on the ever-popular Isle of Mull …
Calgary Tearoom and Studios, Calgary
Guide Price £525,000
A unique opportunity to acquire a well-established and highly regarded tearoom business, with three letting properties and staff accommodation apartments, all located in one of the most sought-after locations on the Mull.
Calgary Tearoom is a fully functional tearoom comprising indoor and outdoor seating areas, working kitchen, public toilets, laundry area and importantly, two attached staff accommodation units. The property is beautifully presented and has evolved over time to incorporate a wide range of bespoke design concepts.
Adjacent to the main tearoom, Cart Studio is a one-bedroom, self-contained holiday let, perfect for couples looking for cosy accommodation close to the beach. The original stone exterior has been lovingly restored and retains many of the original design features if its era.
East and West Studios are above the tearoom and accessed by a stone staircase which leads up from the courtyard. Each offers private holiday let accommodation and both are well appointed with a generously proportioned living space, double bedroom, and family bathroom.
Cramond, Dervaig
Offers over £395,000
Located in the popular coastal village of Dervaig, Cramond is a lovely family home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. There are expansive coastal views and the stunning floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge open on to the garden. The property has a quirky artist’s studio in its grounds.
Mambeg, Dervaig
Offers over £350,000
Mambeg, also located in Dervaig, is a well presented, detached three bed bungalow which has potential as either a family home or a bed and breakfast. Two of the bedrooms are en-suite and the garage space has conversion potential, subject to the usual planning conditions.
Argyll Terrace & Bothy Cottage, Tobermory
Offers over £345,000
Rich in charm and character, 5 Argyll Terrace is a traditional two bed mid-terrace property with the added attraction of a detached one bed bothy cottage at the top of the garden. The property has views across the bay of Tobermory.
Sawmill Bungalow, Pennyghael
Offers over £395,000.
An opportunity to acquire a detached three-bedroom bungalow, set in a wonderful, elevated position on the ever-popular Isle of Mull and benefitting from far reaching coastal views across Loch Scridain.
2 Struan Crescent, Tobermory
Offers over £200,000
An ideal first home or holiday home, 2 Struan Crescent is a well-presented two-bedroom semi-detached property on the outskirts of Tobermory. The family lounge is located to the front of the house, offering views out over the front garden, with partial coastal views over as far as the Morvern Peninsula.
Flat 6, The Old Bond House, Tobermory
Offers over £150,000
The property is a delightful first floor two level maisonette within the prominent Old Bond House on Tobermory’s Main Street. Such is the property’s appeal that it would make an ideal permanent home, as well as a second home or weekend bolthole.
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If you are buying or selling property on Scotland’s glorious West Coast, please get in touch with our Oban-based estate agency team.
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Led by Senior Associate Andrew Fuller supported by Laura MacCallum and Mairi Kennedy, they cover Argyll and The Isles and the Morvern Peninsula, focusing on the sale of premium, rural properties.
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Contact them on 01631 566122 or oban@bellingram.co.uk for more information or to arrange a viewing.
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Article posted on 11/08/2022
Bell Ingram hosts a Big Brew Up at Perth Show to promote the vital work of armed forces charity SSAFA
Bell Ingram is putting the kettle on at Perth Show to support our armed forces and their families in times of need.
The firm of rural chartered surveyors and land managers is joining forces with military charity SSAFA by hosting a tea party on its stand at the two-day event on Perth’s South Inch on Friday and Saturday, August 5th and 6th.
The Big Brew Up campaign encourages friends, families and colleagues across the UK to bake cakes and enjoy a brew together to raise vital funds for SSAFA, which supports service personnel, veterans and their families.
Bell Ingram is passionate about supporting SSAFA, formerly known as the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, because a number of colleagues have previously served with the British forces.
Mark Mitchell, Bell Ingram’s Managing Partner and Perth Show Chairman said: “I am incredibly proud to support SSAFA, it is a fantastic charity that’s particularly close to our hearts, and the brilliant work it does to support the serving military, veterans and their families is inspiring.”
Allan Steele, SSAFA Corporate and Special Events Officer, added: “SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, exists to restore independence and dignity to those who have given us our freedom. We are here for their families too. The challenges faced by many are a direct consequence of service. The cost of living crisis only adds to that. I am delighted that Bell Ingram have agreed to support our Armed Forces community as they have done.”
Mark Mitchell added: “The Bell Ingram stand is located on avenue A11 on the Main Ring. Visitors are welcome to drop in for a cuppa and cake and hopefully make a small donation to SSAFA.”
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