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

Bell Ingram Strengthens AMC Finance Team with Appointment of New Valuer

Bell Ingram Strengthens AMC Finance Team with Appointment of New Valuer

Bell Ingram announces Catherine Lawson has been appointed as an Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) valuer, recognising her experience and expertise in valuing rural property.

AMC specialise in long-term mortgages and loans for farms and rural businesses for a wide range of business needs including: buying land, new buildings and fixed equipment, restructuring borrowing, paying out a retiring partner, diversification, renewable energy projects or sustainability improvements.

As agents, Bell Ingram’s valuers support clients through all stages of the process, from helping to complete the application form, to collating supporting documents and valuing the property used as security.

Catherine joins Bell Ingram’s James Petty, Malcolm Taylor and Sarah Tyson who are also AMC valuers alongside Isla Shaw who is an AMC introducer completing application forms and dealing with enquiries.

Sarah Tyson comments on the appointment: “It is great that our AMC team has been strengthened with Catherine’s approval as a full AMC valuer. This confirms Bell Ingram’s position as a leading AMC agent in Scotland. Across our team, we all deal with clients investigating AMC finance and the valuers take the job through to the final stage by valuing the security property.

“AMC continues to be a reliable long term source of finance for rural businesses. It is also able to consider transfers of loans to the next generation  – particularly important just now when considering forward planning and succession alongside IHT implications.

“For anyone needing finance including for land purchase, building improvements or diversification, it is always worth giving our team a call.”

For more information on our AMC service contact Sarah Tyson on 01738 621 121 or email sarah.tyson@bellingram.co.uk

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

Building a Career from the Ground Up: From Bell Ingram’s First Apprentice to Chartered Surveyor

Building a Career from the Ground Up: From Bell Ingram’s First Apprentice to Chartered Surveyor

This National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with our Thirsk based Rural Surveyor, Pippa Reynolds MRICS about her experience as Bell Ingram’s first ever apprentice. Since joining the firm in 2018, Pippa has completed her apprenticeship and passed her APC to become a fully qualified chartered surveyor.

Find out more about her career journey in our Q&A below.

You joined us right at the start of the UK apprenticeship scheme – what made you choose an apprenticeship route, and what were your expectations when you first began?

I chose the apprenticeship route as I felt it would give me more practical experience alongside studying and would be especially beneficial when it came to sitting my APC. My main expectation was to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and learn from people around me while completing my degree.

Looking back, what were the biggest challenges you faced during your apprenticeship, and how did you overcome them?

There were times where it was difficult to balance both working and studying, particularly in my final year where I had more responsibilities at work as well as doing my dissertation and preparing for my APC. I tried to be effective in managing my time by blocking out periods to focus on each task individually and reminding myself this wasn’t forever!

How did the combination of on-the-job experience and formal study help you develop as a surveyor, compared to a more traditional route?

I found the combination of study and on the job experience really helpful when it came to relating what I was being taught in lectures to how it would play out in real life. I think this helped provide context and by the time I sat my APC I already had 5 years of work experience compared to the traditional 2 which definitely helped with my confidence.

Becoming a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor and now an Associate is a huge milestone – what moments or achievements along the way stand out most to you?

Passing my APC was a huge achievement and Is something I am very proud of, I will always remember the day I received that result! I knew from the start of enrolling on the apprenticeship scheme that my aim was to become qualified so to see it through was very satisfying.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship today, and how would you describe the long-term career opportunities it can offer?

I would highly recommend considering the apprenticeship route, for me it’s a no brainer. You come away with a degree, 5 years’ experience and ready to sit your APC which I think makes a candidate stand out to employers in comparison to a standard graduate. There is also the added benefit of no student debt and earning whilst studying!

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

Meet the Farm Sales Team: Malcolm Taylor FRICS

Meet the Farm Sales Team: Malcolm Taylor FRICS

At the helm of Bell Ingram’s farm sales team is Malcolm Taylor FRICS, Head of Farm Sales. With decades of experience in the Scottish property market, Malcolm has built a reputation as a trusted adviser for landowners, farmers, and families looking to make the most of their farm sale.

A highly experienced Chartered Surveyor, Malcolm combines deep-rooted knowledge of land values across Scotland with a sharp understanding of the factors that influence the market today. His up-to-the-minute insight means clients can move forward with confidence, knowing their decisions are backed by solid expertise.

A skilled negotiator, Malcolm is able to steer complex sales, manage expectations, and secure the best possible results has made him a go-to advisor not only within Bell Ingram, but across the wider farming and rural property community.

Malcom knows that selling a farm is rarely just a business transaction – it’s a life-changing decision. His clients value his ability to listen, understand their priorities, and guide them through the process with clarity and reassurance.

Whether advising on market timing, providing accurate valuations, or negotiating sales, Malcolm’s wealth of experience and steady hand ensure clients achieve their property goals. As Head of Farm Sales, he leads the team with the same commitment he brings to every client – delivering results built on trust, knowledge, and decades of expertise.

Contact Malcolm Taylor on 01307 462 516 or email malcolm.taylor@bellingram.co.uk to discuss your farm sale.

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

Meet the Farm Sales Team: Catherine Lawson MRICS

Meet the Farm Sales Team: Catherine Lawson MRICS

Accurate, informed appraisals are at the heart of every farm sale – and that’s where Catherine Lawson MRICS FAAV, at Bell Ingram, comes in.

Based in Angus, Catherine brings both professional expertise and first-hand farming knowledge to her role, making her a trusted adviser to farming families and landowners alike.

Catherine’s strong background in agriculture runs deep. Having grown up on a farm in Yorkshire and now living on a working farm in Angus, she understands the realities of running a successful farming business. This unique perspective means she appreciates not just the numbers behind an appraisal but also the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that shape farming life.

An experienced valuer, Catherine can also advise on all aspects of farm Red Book valuations, ensuring clients have the clarity and confidence they need to make informed decisions. Whether for succession planning, tax, or secured lending purposes, her insight helps clients see the full picture and plan effectively for the future.

Clients value Catherine’s approachable style and practical guidance, as well as her ability to translate complex details into clear, straightforward advice. She knows how important these decisions are, and she takes pride in offering a service that is both professional and personal.

Contact Catherine on 01307 462516 or email catherine.lawson@bellingram.co.uk to discuss your farm sale.

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

Meet the Farm Sales Team: John Kennedy MRICS

Meet the Farm Sales Team: John Kennedy MRICS

When it comes to navigating the farmland market, knowledge, experience, and trust are key.

Operating in the Angus farmland market, John Kennedy MRICS is a Chartered Surveyor with a strong understanding of local market conditions and the many factors that influence them. His ability to keep pace with market trends ensures that clients benefit from clear, up-to-date advice that makes all the difference when it comes to buying, selling, or valuing farmland.

A skilled valuer, John has earned a reputation for his professional insight and personal approach. From providing accurate valuations to guiding clients through the sales process, he ensures that every decision is grounded in expertise.

John’s farming background means he doesn’t just look at land as numbers on a page – he understands what it takes to run a successful farming business, and why having reliable valuations is crucial for both day-to-day operations and long-term planning. Clients value his ability to combine professional expertise with a real-world understanding of agriculture.

Passionate about helping farming families and landowners achieve their goals, John is a respected and approachable member of our farm sales team. Whether you are considering selling land, need an up-to-date valuation, or simply want to understand the current market, John is here to provide the practical guidance and professional support you can rely on.

Contact John Kennedy on 01307 462 516 or email john.kennedy@bellingram.co.uk to discuss your farm sale.

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

Historic Hartwood Home Farm Offers Rare Opportunity to Revive a Piece of Scottish Heritage

Historic Hartwood Home Farm Offers Rare Opportunity to Revive a Piece of Scottish Heritage

A property steeped in social and agricultural history has come to market on the outskirts of Shotts, North Lanarkshire. Bell Ingram is proud to present Hartwood Home Farm, a former research and agricultural facility with deep ties to one of Scotland’s most remarkable healthcare institutions. Offers are invited over £250,000 for the 5.83-hectare (14.4-acre) site.

Once the beating heart of Hartwood Hospital’s pioneering self-sustaining community, Hartwood Home Farm played a vital role in the daily life and recovery of patients. Established to provide fresh produce and meaningful work, the farm embodied a progressive approach to healthcare in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Through the decades, the property evolved to reflect Scotland’s changing rural and scientific landscape. In its later years, it became a research facility, continuing its legacy of innovation and service. Each phase of its life adds another chapter to the story of a site that has mirrored broader social and environmental progress.

Today, Hartwood Home Farm stands at another crossroads. Acquired in 2020 by Forestry and Land Scotland, the land has since been earmarked for sustainable timber production, carbon capture, biodiversity enhancement, and community recreation, as outlined in the Hartwood Forest Management Plan. Any future development will therefore be expected to respect and build upon this legacy of public benefit.

The property includes a traditional three-bedroom farmhouse, a spacious four-bedroom apartment, and a modern detached bungalow – all requiring comprehensive renovation and offering substantial potential for sympathetic restoration or adaptive reuse. A varied collection of traditional and modern agricultural buildings further enhances its redevelopment potential.

Estate Agent Carl Warden of Bell Ingram comments: “Alongside the residential buildings, Hartwood Home Farm features a mix of traditional and modern buildings including a former dairy, cattle courts, sheep sheds, hay sheds, and open-plan cattle housing, offering exceptional potential for redevelopment or alternative use.”

Interested parties are invited to submit a statement of intent outlining proposed plans for the site, with particular emphasis on community, cultural, or environmental benefits that honour Hartwood’s enduring social spirit.

For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Carl Warden on 01738 621121.

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

International buyers keep Scotland’s farm sales market buoyant

International buyers keep Scotland’s farm sales market buoyant

International interest in Scotland’s farm market remains strong according to land and property specialists Bell Ingram.

Following a busy 2025 season, Bell Ingram reports that demand for Scottish farmland continues to attract significant attention from overseas purchasers. The firm has seen enquiries from Europe, and beyond, reflecting a growing appetite among international buyers to secure productive units north of the border.

Several factors underpin this trend:

  • Value for money: Agricultural land in Scotland continues to offer comparatively attractive prices. For many buyers from England and Ireland, where values remain consistently high, Scottish land represents an opportunity to expand or consolidate at a lower capital cost.
  • Climate resilience: Scotland’s relatively temperate climate and longer growing seasons are increasingly appealing to overseas buyers seeking to relocate from regions affected by drought and other climate-related pressures.
  • Investment stability: Institutional and private investors continue to see farmland as a secure long-term asset. Scotland’s established farming infrastructure, coupled with the wider appeal of rural diversification opportunities (forestry, renewables, tourism), has helped maintain confidence in the market.
  • High-quality crops: Scotland’s seed potato sector continues to enjoy a global reputation for excellence, which in turn is helping to drive international interest – particularly across Angus. Since the closure of access to EU markets, Scottish growers have sought new outlets in Africa and the Middle East. These relationships are now translating into direct inward investment, with buyers from these regions not only sourcing seed but actively looking to establish farming operations in Angus.
  • Policy and support: Scotland’s agricultural subsidy framework is also a draw. While the detail of future reform is still evolving, support north of the border remains more predictable and accessible than in other parts of the UK. In particular, the continuation of area-based payments until at least 2027, coupled with targeted schemes for biodiversity and climate-positive farming, provides buyers with a degree of income certainty during a period of wider change. This contrasts with England, where the transition to Environmental Land Management (ELM) has created uncertainty for those reliant on direct payments.

Malcolm Taylor, Head of Farm Sales at Bell Ingram, comments:

“2025 has been another robust year for Scotland’s farmland market, with international buyers playing an increasingly important role. Overseas purchasers are attracted not just by value for money, but by Scotland’s climate resilience and the supportive policy environment.

We’re also seeing a shift in the type of buyer – not only investors, but families and farming businesses looking to relocate entirely to Scotland in search of stability, productive land and a better long-term outlook.”

Bell Ingram expects the trend to continue into 2026, with a strong pipeline of interest already in place.

For more information on farm sales, contact Bell Ingram’s farm sales team on 01307 462 516.

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

Meet our Farm Sales team: Rhona Booth

Meet the Farm Sales team: Rhona Booth MRICS

When it comes to selling farms, there’s no substitute for local knowledge, genuine understanding of the land, and a personal approach that puts clients first. That’s exactly what you get with Rhona Booth MRICS, Partner at Bell Ingram.

An Angus farmer herself and a highly experienced Chartered Surveyor, Rhona brings a unique blend of professional expertise and hands-on farming experience to every farm sale. She has her finger firmly on the pulse of the Scottish farmland market and is widely recognised throughout Angus and beyond as a trusted face in the farming community.

Rhona lives and breathes agriculture. She understands not only the business of farming but also the personal connections people have with their land. For many families, a farm sale marks the end of generations of work and commitment – and Rhona never loses sight of that. Whether she’s helping families with no succession or supporting those who have decided to step away from farming entirely, Rhona is a safe pair of hands who ensures her clients achieve the best possible result.

Her reputation is built on delivering tailored advice, professional insight, and a personal touch that makes the whole process as smooth and reassuring as possible. Clients value her ability to navigate the complexities of farm sales while keeping their individual circumstances and priorities at the heart of every decision.

Rhona’s deep-rooted passion for agriculture, combined with her wealth of experience, makes her an invaluable partner for anyone considering selling their farm. For Rhona, success isn’t just about completing a sale – it’s about ensuring her clients feel supported, confident, and satisfied with the outcome.

If you’re thinking about selling your farm and want expert guidance from someone who truly understands farming life, Rhona is here to help.

Looking for help with your farm sale? Contact Rhona on 01307 462 516or email rhona.booth@bellingram.co.uk

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.