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.

Land Management Case Studies

Desktop and Virtual Assessments During Lockdown

Desktop and Virtual Assessments

The key is getting a clear brief agreed at the outset to suit the particular circumstances.

Brief

A client approached Bell Ingram requesting an urgent probate valuation following the death of their father. Since an internal inspection was impossible given the coronavirus restrictions – and the property was occupied by a 90-year-old gentleman who was shielding – we conducted a desktop assessment instead.

Process

We provided our client with normal terms and conditions for valuation work, but made it clear that the valuation could only be based on the information supplied, such as photographs and what could be obtained online. The client provided external photography – including drone photography – which was cross checked by obtaining Google Earth images and with other sites, such as SGRPID online portal. The date of death predated the Coronavirus lockdown which made it possible to secure comparable evidence.

Outcome

Bell Ingram has an excellent IT resource which made it possible to obtain comparable evidence from our estate agency team which was then cross referenced. The report was compiled and emailed to the client. The result was a happy client, a valuation report completed to RICS standards and everyone kept safe in the process.

Our people

Mark Mitchell

Mark Mitchell

Managing Partner, FRICS
Rural Land Management, Valuations
Tel: 01738 646 584

About: Mark is responsible for the strategic direction and overall performance of the firm. He specialises in all aspects of Estate and Facilities Management for private, corporate and public sector clients. He is experienced in the acquisition, disposal and management of estates and farms, rental negotiation and management of residential property. Interests: Estate Agency, Private Estate Management, Rural Land Management, FRICS Registered Valuer.

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    Article posted on 25/05/2020

    Land Management Case Studies, Tourism Page

    Securing AMC Finance for Farm Expansion

    Crosswoodhill Farm, Pentland Hills

    Securing AMC finance for family to expand their farming and holiday cottage business.

    Brief

    Farming family, Hew, Geraldine and Angus Hamilton, were looking to finance the purchase of two neighbouring farms to expand both their farming activities and their award-winning Crosswoodhill Farm holiday cottage business. They were looking for a lender who was not only competitive but really understood the rural sector to support plans to use their current farming operation as a springboard for future development. “We felt that AMC was more likely [than other lenders] to understand our situation and what we wanted to do,” said Angus Hamilton.

    Process

    The Hamiltons met AMC Agent Sarah Tyson for an informal discussion at the 2018 Royal Highland Show at Ingliston just a few weeks after the land came onto the market. Although they did talk to other lenders, they chose AMC because of their sector knowledge, flexibility, competitive rates and expert help. Sarah supported the Hamiltons through all stages of the process, from helping to complete the application form, to collating supporting documents and valuing the property used as security … it’s all part of the AMC service!

    Outcome

    With Sarah’s expert guidance, AMC finance was arranged with the minimum of fuss, allowing the Hamiltons to start drawing up plans to develop a quadrangle of derelict farm buildings into self-catering accommodation for up to 20 guests. By expanding their acreage and developing a number of diverse enterprises at Crosswoodhill Farm and beyond, the family are creating a business that should thrive in these times of economic uncertainty. “Farming now isn’t just about sheep and cows – it’s managing all the resources at your disposal and looking at them as business assets competitively. AMC finance is key to expansion projects such as this,” says Sarah Tyson (pictured right with the Hamilton family). www.crosswoodhill.co.uk

    Article posted on 21/06/2018

    Land Management Case Studies

    South Ardnaclach – Argyll & Bute

    South Ardnaclach – Argyll & Bute

    A phased restoration programme to reinstate farming on the land

    Brief

    A small unit in Appin – which is part of an estate managed by Bell Ingram in Argyll – required substantial upgrading work to bring it back to a condition to enable it to be let out to new tenants. The land had previously been subject to a long-term secure tenancy and was taken back in hand. After a thorough inspection of the farm, it became apparent that the unit was in an extremely poor state of repair – the fixed equipment was well past its sell-by-date, fences were dilapidated, ditches and drains blocked.

    Process

    Bell Ingram’s land managers implemented a phased programme of works to bring the land back into a useable condition. Phase one involved the clearance of all ditches to ensure they were running – very important in this environment. Phase two was the replacement of the march fences, to make the unit stock-proof. Finally, phase three has been the removal of all redundant and superfluous internal fences and the replacement of new internal fences.

    Outcome

    The wind farm was constructed between 2017 and 2018 and during construction Bell Ingram assisted clients over issues rising during the construction phase, including measuring quantities of stone and sand extracted from over 10 borrow pits and dealing with other construction matters. The windfarm of over 220MW capacity, successfully started exporting electricity in March 2018.

    Article posted on 09/04/2018