The year in Rural Land Management

As 2022 draws to a close, it feels right to take time to reflect on the year that has gone and look forward to 2023. I can’t remember which philosopher said that: “you need to know where you have come from to know where you are going”, but I suspect he could not have foreseen such a rollercoaster of a year that we have just endured.

From the highs of the spring and the early months of 2022, the residential property market was as buoyant as we have seen it for many years. At the same time the world of forestry planting land, carbon credits and investment in land by fund managers bore no relation to traditional land values.

It only took a change in personnel in No.10 and No.11 Downing Street, and a mini budget, to send investors into retreat and the housing market to all but disappear. That is everywhere but the west coast of Scotland and the Islands where the market seems to be bucking the trend.

There is no escaping the issue that land management and investment in 2023 faces a number of challenges. That said, where there is uncertainty, there are opportunities for those who are willing to take a calculated risk and who are well advised in the rewards that investing in land, property and forestry can bring.

Interest rates may be rising and the cost of money for the lending institutions is increasing, but there is no shortage of individuals looking to purchase good quality farm land. This year saw a dearth of good quality farms coming to the market but with the increase in the cost of inputs, and the rise in interest rates, it is inevitable that more farms will come to the market in 2023.

The Scottish Government is standing by its targets for forestry planting, but we have seen a cooling in the market for planting land. Good land will sell well, but the poorer land with access and future extraction issues is definitely diminishing.

The Government has published its consultation on the future of agriculture and it is questionable whether they will achieve their aims in this parliament. Muirburn and the licensing of grouse moors are all under scrutiny for 2023, which in effect raises serious questions for the future of rural Scotland and the future of sporting and upland management.

2023 is going to prove a challenging year in terms of land and property management in the United Kingdom. The staff at Bell Ingram are on hand to advise how best to navigate the way through these difficult times. There will be opportunities in 2023 for investing and diversification in land and property. The old adage that “he who hesitates is lost!” might be the maxim for 2023.

For more information on our Rural Land Management services visit: bellingram.co.uk/land-management/rural-land-management/

Our people

Malcolm Taylor

Senior Partner, FRICS ACIArb
Rural Land Management, Valuations
Tel: 01307 462 516

About: Malcolm is Bell Ingram's Senior Partner and heads up the company's Forfar office, where he specialises in farm and estate management, including the provision of agricultural rental advice and acting as an expert witness. He is the immediate past chairman of the RICS in Scotland and remains actively involved with the Institution. Malcolm is also head of Lettings within Bell Ingram. Interests: AMC Agent, Corporate Estate Management, Rural Land Management, SRDP Applications, FRICS Registered Valuer.

Get in touch

We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

Article posted on 17/08/2022

Forest Manager Stuart McArtney shares his top tips on buying Scottish woodland

Stuart McArtney, Forestry Management expert at Bell Ingram, explains that buying your own section of Scottish woodland can be made much easier by having the correct professional guidance.

He said: “Buying your own Scottish woodland is clearly not as common a practice as someone buying a home, therefore it’s crucial that you have the right expert advice in your corner.

“Our team of Chartered Foresters provide management services and investment guidance for every type of woodland owner or potential buyer.

“These can be everyone from corporate clients to rural estate owners or individuals wishing to add forestry to their investment portfolio or pension fund. Our Forestry Managers provide a bespoke woodland management service that’s tailored to meet the client’s unique requirements.”

Bell Ingram provide a range of services including woodland budget management, valuations of woodland areas and digital mapping.

Stuart continued: “We have a vast experience and knowledge of different issues regarding woodland ownership and are well placed to help guide buyers through the challenges of today’s forestry industry.

“We are able to take clients through the process of buying Scottish woodland step-by-step and ensure you get the most appropriate advice and are able to take advantage of every opportunity.”

To find out more about buying Scottish woodland or to view any areas currently for sale, visit www.bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 15/12/2022

Coastal cottage with sea view for sale is one of oldest houses on ‘magical Scottish island’

A charming, three-bedroom end-terrace cottage offers an exceptionally rare opportunity to buy on the magical Scottish island of Iona.

Presented for sale by Bell Ingram at offers over £375,000, Taigh Benedict is thought to be one of the oldest properties on the island.

Commenting on the sale, Andrew Fuller from Bell Ingram’s Oban Office, says: “Taigh Benedict offers buyers the chance to acquire a cottage with detached bothy, the perfect home for those looking to relocate to this magical Inner Hebrides island.

“Iona holds a special place in the hearts of people from around the world and properties are seldom listed for sale in the open market. With far reaching views across the Sound of Iona to the Isle of Mull, Taigh Benedict is thought to be one of the oldest properties on the island.”

Home to the world-famous Iona Abbey, one of the oldest Christian religious centres, the Isle of Iona is full of history with many visitors following in the footsteps of St Columba. Nearby is St Oran’s Chapel and Reilig Odhrain which is reputed to be the burial place of Macbeth and 47 other kings of Scotland.

The property is entered from the front garden through a vestibule into a central hallway. To the right, the lounge is warmed through by an open grate fire. To the left of the hall, a sitting room is positioned to the front of the house, offering alternative use as a home office, study or additional bedroom.

The family kitchen is at the rear of the property, enjoying open views out to the garden. A stylish AGA sits within the kitchen, offering warmth and comfort in equal measure. There is also a boot room, utility room and a ground floor bedroom, along with a family shower room.

Two further bedrooms upstairs enjoy open views out to the front and rear. The largest of the two bedrooms benefits from an en-suite shower room.

Located to the rear of the main house, a bothy provides overflow accommodation as required. The layout comprises entrance vestibule, galley kitchen, living room and two double bedrooms, one of with an en-suite bathroom.

Andrew Fuller adds: “Taigh Benedict is the perfect island home filled with charm and presents a great opportunity for buyers looking to enjoy an idyllic rural lifestyle.

“The island is inhabited by around 130 people and has a traditional community feeling to it. On top of that the number of vehicles on Iona is restricted by permit and with no crime to speak of, it makes a wonderfully safe environment for children and adults alike.

“For outdoor enthusiasts, Iona boasts first-rate walking opportunities, a variety of wildlife and beautiful, white sandy beaches.

“Iona, accessed via a regular ferry service from the Isle of Mull, is fully equipped with a well-stocked general store as well as a number of other amenities and businesses catering to the needs of locals and tourists alike.”

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

Article posted on 18/11/2022

Crown Estate tenants express interest in buying farms

Twenty-two tenant farmers have expressed an interest in buying the holdings they currently lease from Crown Estate Scotland.

The farms are on the Applegirth Estate in Dumfries & Galloway, and the area around Auchindoun in Moray, which are both part of a pilot initiative to increase diversity of land ownership in a planned and managed way.

The tenants have now been advised they will move to the next part of the process and have been given an anticipated timescale for this stage which will involve the preparation of detailed sales reports, setting out what they can expect if they go ahead with the purchase. 

The initiative provides an opportunity for tenant farmers to own their own farms and has the potential to generate funding to help Crown Estate Scotland deliver on its commitment to invest £70m over the coming years to generate lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits for communities across Scotland.

Sarah Tyson, Bell Ingram’s Head of Valuations and AMC Agent, said: “Crown Estate Scotland is the first landlord of this size to give tenants this option and the sector is watching with interest to see if this pilot will be rolled out across their remaining rural estates.

“The opportunity to buy your farm can be an exciting prospect, especially if you are offered a discounted purchase price as a sitting tenant. However, there are a number of areas you must consider before making such a major financial decision and I would recommend tenants always take good professional advice on the options being offered, particularly when negotiating the purchase price or agreeing a settlement for relinquishing the tenancy.”

Buying your farm tenancy? Find out how Bell Ingram’s AMC agents can help and the funding options available. Contact Sarah Tyson on 01738 621 121, or email sarah.tyson@bellingram.co.uk.

Article posted on 12/09/2022

Opportunity to own luxury five-star holiday business ‘away from the cares of the world’

A unique lifestyle business opportunity has come to the Highland Perthshire property market.

Mid Balchandy sits in an elevated position above the Tummel Valley in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Currently owned by former art dealer, Ginny Stacy-Marks, the main house is accompanied by two cottages which are run as a successful, five star, luxury holiday let business.

On the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram for offers over £1,200,000, the three properties offer the right buyer a slice of Highland Perthshire paradise, only two and half miles from Pitlochry.

Ginny, who is originally from Sussex, says: “I am extremely privileged to live here and share this place with my guests who travel to Mid Balchandy from all over the world.

“I see my guests arrive stressed but after a night in my cosy Cottage or Bothy they look like different people – it’s then that I know I have done something right.”

With stunning views over the Tummel Valley to Strathtay, Ginny says living at Mid Balchandy feels as though you are “away from the cares of the world” as she fondly describes the properties as her “bubble on hill.”

Ginny bought the properties in 2014 when she set to work renovating the original two bedroom farmhouse to form The Cottage and Cart Shed and Hay Loft which became The Bothy with the dream of running a luxury holiday business. Following a full renovation, Ginny was able to put her love of interior design to good use by dressing the properties with furniture and decoration of the highest specification, which is available in the sale by separate negotiation.

“I feel as though I have fulfilled my dream,” Ginny continues, “I have created two stunning destinations from the old cart shed and the original farmhouse which has been a great pleasure of mine and guests often comment on the design as a deciding factor when choosing to holiday here at Mid Balchandy.”

Ginny’s eye for design is also on show in the main home, The Steading. The property is ideal for entertaining with its open plan layout that includes a large kitchen with aga, dining room, bright and spacious living room and separate garden room.

Upstairs Ginny has changed the original layout which now incorporates a master bedroom with en suite and dressing room, and an additional two spacious double bedrooms and accompanying bathrooms.

The three properties can be used in several different ways, including continuing the success of the holiday let business. Alternatively, The Steading could be used as a principal family home with the additional cottages used by parents or grandparents. 

As she speaks about her next move, Ginny describes her reasons for moving on from her much loved home: “After my husband passed at age 56, I realised I needed to fulfil my ambitions at Mid Balchandy and now I have done that I feel ready to wind down. The business is thriving, and I love welcoming guests to this special place, but I am now ready to do more of the other things in life that I enjoy such as cycling and wild swimming.”

However, Highland Perthshire has made her mark on the businesswoman who plans to stay local and find the perfect plot to fulfil her next dream – a tiny eco home with its own flower meadow, this time just for one.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Carl Warden on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk.

Article posted on 07/09/2022

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