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.

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