Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page

Bell Ingram Announces Headline Sponsorship of Scotland’s Premier Country Sports Tourism Conference

Bell Ingram Announces Headline Sponsorship of Scotland’s Premier Country Sports Tourism Conference

Bell Ingram, a leading firm of rural chartered surveyors, is proud to announce its headline sponsorship of Scotland’s flagship Country Sports Tourism Conference.

As a company dedicated to managing sporting estates across Scotland, this partnership is a natural fit, reflecting Bell Ingram’s commitment to supporting and promoting the country’s thriving country sports tourism industry.

This new event will be held at Blair Castle on 2 May 2025 and will bring together estates, sporting providers, tourism businesses, and key stakeholders to explore the future of country sports tourism in Scotland. Organised by Country Sport Scotland, the leading resource for country sports tourism proudly owned and operated by the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC), the conference aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration within the sector through expert-led keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops.

Scotland is globally renowned for its rich sporting heritage, offering world-class experiences such as deer stalking in the Highlands, game shooting on prestigious estates, and fly fishing on legendary rivers.

With country sports tourism contributing £340 million in direct value and £760 million in total economic impact annually, Bell Ingram recognises the importance of strengthening and promoting this vital industry.

Rob Whitson, Head of Rural Land Management at Bell Ingram, commented: “As specialists in the management of Scotland’s finest sporting estates, we understand the importance of sustainable country sports tourism. This conference provides an invaluable opportunity for industry leaders to collaborate and ensure the sector’s long-term success.”

Kirk Norbury, Project Manager of Country Sport Scotland said: “This is a significant step forward for Scotland’s country sports tourism sector. Our industry plays a crucial role in supporting rural economies, attracting international visitors, and preserving Scotland’s sporting history. By bringing together experts, businesses, and providers, we can ensure that country sports tourism remains a sustainable and thriving part of Scotland’s visitor economy.”

Peter Clark, Scotland Director of BASC said: “Scotland showcases the very best of sporting tourism, with a worldwide reputation of warm hospitality and the very best of experiences. BASC was delighted to take on board Country Sport Scotland last year, and we have seen this organisation go from strength to strength since this acquisition. This inaugural conference will bring the brightest and the best in the sector to champion a way forward for Scotland’s world-renowned sporting sector”.

With strong demand from the UK, Europe, and North America, Scotland’s country sports sector has significant growth potential, particularly in high-end markets. The conference will explore strategies to position Scotland as a world-class destination for fieldsports, ensuring its continued success and sustainability.

Bell Ingram looks forward to playing a key role in fostering innovation and driving the future growth of Scotland’s country sports tourism sector.

Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page

Alexander Jameson Joins Bell Ingram as Consultant Partner

Alexander Jameson Joins Bell Ingram as Consultant Partner

Bell Ingram welcomes Alexander Jameson MRICS FAAV as Consultant Partner in the Rural Land Management team in Perth.

Alex is a highly experienced land professional specialising in estate and sporting management. He was the principal and owner of Jameson Rural, based in Perth, and works across Scotland and the north of England. Over the last 10 years he has been involved in various committees for Scottish Land & Estates, including their National Policy Group

A Rural Practice Surveyor, Alex has a strong background in rural estate management, estate planning, farming, forestry, landlord and tenant matters, compensation, and conservation. He also has significant expertise in sporting management, particularly in grouse moors and estates across Scotland and the north of England. In addition, he has experience in renewable energy projects, including hydroelectric schemes.

Alex said: “Scotland’s rural estates are facing a period of significant change, with increasing pressure from land reform legislation, climate and biodiversity targets, and changing expectations around land use. Now, more than ever, estate owners and land managers need to navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges while ensuring their businesses remain sustainable. I look forward to working with Bell Ingram’s Rural Land Management team in Perth to help clients adapt to these changes and make informed decisions about their land and assets.”

Managing Partner Mark Mitchell said: “We are pleased to have Alex on board at such a crucial time for Scotland’s rural sector. With major legislative changes ahead, including reforms to landownership, tenancy laws, and environmental policies, landowners need expert advice to stay ahead. Alex brings a wealth of knowledge in rural estate management, and his expertise will be invaluable in supporting our clients through these challenges.”

Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page

Bell Ingram Announces Senior Promotions to Strengthen Leadership Team

Bell Ingram Announces Senior Promotions to Strengthen Leadership Team

Leading land and property specialists Bell Ingram is delighted to announce the promotion of James Petty to the Executive Board and Rhona Booth to the Bell Ingram Partnership, effective from 1st April 2025.

James Petty, the Partner in charge of Bell Ingram’s Aberdeen office, brings a wealth of experience to his new role on the Executive Board. A highly accomplished RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer, James specialises in valuations, utilities, and pipelines, as well as rural land management and estate agency. His expertise extends to compulsory purchase work, including significant projects such as the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. His extensive knowledge of estate management, land letting, and working with major utility companies further strengthens Bell Ingram’s leadership team.

Rhona Booth, the Forfar office manager, has been promoted to the Bell Ingram Partnership in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the firm. A highly experienced RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer, Rhona advises clients across Perthshire and Angus on all aspects of estate and farm management. Her expertise is in renewables but her role also encompasses landlord and tenant negotiations, telecommunications mast agreements, utility projects, and CPO compensation claims. Since joining Bell Ingram in 2020, Rhona has been instrumental in delivering exceptional service to clients, leveraging her 20 years of industry experience.

Bell Ingram’s Managing Partner Mark Mitchell commented: “We are thrilled to welcome James to the Executive Board and Rhona to the Partnership. Their promotions reflect their dedication, expertise, and significant contributions to our business. As we continue to evolve and grow, their leadership will be invaluable in driving Bell Ingram forward.”

Our people

James Petty

James Petty

Partner, MRICS
Rural Land Management, Utilities & Renewables, Valuations
Tel: 01224 621 300

About: James is the Partner in charge of Bell Ingram's Aberdeen office and is an experienced rural surveyor dealing with all types of valuations, utilities and pipelines, rural land management, estate agency, and has experience of compulsory purchase work including the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. He is an MRICS Registered Valuer and has provided Red Book valuations for a range of property types including mixed estates to traditional owner-occupied farms, residential, access rights and development plots. James has experience of day-to-day management of low ground estate properties including let farms, seasonal land lets and residential property letting. James has also worked with major utility companies on their onshore and offshore wind farm operations and provided land agency services to clients such as Siemens, SSE and SGN. Interests: MRICS Registered Valuer, Agent and Valuer for the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Pipelines & Utilities, Rural Land Management, Valuations, Estate Agency.

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    Rhona Booth

    Rhona Booth

    Senior Associate, MRICS
    Rural Land Management, Valuations
    Tel: 01307 462516

    About: Rhona is a highly experienced RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer working across Perthshire and Angus advising on all aspects of estate and farm management, including landlord and tenant negotiations, telecommunication mast agreements, utility projects and CPO compensation claims. In addition, Rhona can undertake a range of rural valuations for a variety of purposes as a Registered Valuer. Rhona joined Bell Ingram in 2020 and has over 20 years’ experience in the sector. Interests: Rural Land Management, Valuations, Utilities, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Tenancy Advisor, MRICS Registered Valuer.

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      Vice Lord-Lieutenant Malcolm Taylor Welcomes Prince William to Angus for Rural Mental Health Talks

      Vice Lord Lieutenant Malcolm Taylor welcomes Prince William to Angus for Rural Mental Health Talks

      Bell Ingram’s Senior Partner, Malcolm Taylor, had the honour of welcoming His Royal Highness Prince William to Angus this week, in a visit that reinforced the Prince’s deep commitment to supporting mental health within rural communities.

      The visit was part of a wider initiative aimed at addressing mental health challenges in the farming sector. Over the course of the day, the Prince visited several key locations, including the Men’s Shed in Carnoustie, where he met members and learned about the invaluable role the organisation plays in combating loneliness and isolation among older men. He also saw first-hand the devastation caused by Storm Ewoyn at a nearby strawberry farm and engaged in meaningful discussions with young farmers about the support available to them. Topics ranged from mental well-being to the positive role social media can play in strengthening community ties.

      Malcolm, who was appointed Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Angus shortly before the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May 2023, has served the county for over a decade as a Deputy Lord-Lieutenant. His appointment is a reflection of his dedication to the local community and his deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing rural Angus.

      During the visit, the Duke of Rothesay – as Prince William is known in Scotland – demonstrated a genuine and informed interest in the issues being discussed. Malcolm observed that the Prince was “extremely engaged, asking searching and intelligent questions”, keen to gain a thorough understanding of the efforts being undertaken by local organisations to support those working and living in rural areas.

      Mental health awareness in rural communities is a cause that Bell Ingram is proud to champion. As a corporate supporter of RSABI, the charity dedicated to helping farmers and those in the agricultural sector facing hardship, the company is committed to breaking down barriers around mental health discussions. The importance of this cause was further highlighted in 2023 when the Duchy of Cornwall, under Prince William’s leadership, launched a dedicated mental health strategy for Duchy tenants, prioritising well-being and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

      At a roundtable event hosted by the Farm Safety Foundation, the Prince spoke about the need to remove “taboos and stigmas around mental health” – a message that resonated deeply with Malcolm and others in attendance. The visit reaffirmed the collective effort being made by local authorities, charities, and businesses to ensure those in rural communities receive the support they need.

      Reflecting on the day, Malcolm underscored the significance of the Prince’s involvement, stating that his presence and thoughtful approach have further strengthened ongoing initiatives to improve mental health support in Angus.

      Bell Ingram remains steadfast in its commitment to the well-being of rural communities. Under Malcolm Taylor’s leadership, both in his role as Vice Lord-Lieutenant and within the company as Senior Partner, Bell Ingram will continue to support initiatives that foster resilience, awareness, and lasting change for those living and working in Scotland’s countryside.

      Our people

      Malcolm Taylor

      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.

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        Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page

        Time to get your ducks in a row for tax changes

        Time to get your ducks in a row for tax changes

        By Sarah Tyson, Head of Valuations.

        In these dark days of winter, many are wondering what to do to manage the proposed changes to inheritance tax reliefs following the October 2024 budget. The key message is to start taking stock of what you have and work with those who can help you – likely to be your team of land agent, lawyer and accountant who can confirm all the details which will be needed.

        Even if the ongoing protests and opposition to the proposals achieve some changes, to carry out a business review and get up to date information is good business practice – much better than either knee jerk reactions or inertia.

        Key elements to review including checking:

        • List and ownership of assets; land, houses, equipment and livestock.

        • Details of any partnership agreements.

        • Wills – for all involved, since deaths do not always occur in age order.

        • Any tenancy agreements – whether you are landlord or tenant and whether whole farm, one element or a telecom mast.

        • Diversification projects – just who is involved and on what basis? Including renewable energy.

        • Current values of all the above so that possible tax liabilities can be assessed.

        Pulling together all these details, working with your advisors and asking questions if unclear, will give you a sound basis to make informed decisions.

        There is no ‘one size fits all’, but careful consideration of all the facts for your situation will enable a plan to be made.

        If you would assistance with a business review, contact our Head of Valuation, Sarah Tyson on 01738 621 121 or email sarah.tyson@bellingram.co.uk.

        Our people

        Sarah Tyson

        Sarah Tyson

        Partner, FRICS FAAV
        Rural Land Management, Valuations
        Tel: 01738 621 121

        About: Sarah is an experienced rural property surveyor dealing with all types of valuations, renewable energy, estate management and property consultancy across Scotland . She is an Appointed Agent and Valuer for the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation providing competitive finance for farmers and landowners. Interests: AMC Services, Renewable Energy, Rural Land Management, Valuations, FRICS FAAV Registered Valuer.

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          Rural Land Management Page, The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

          From the Army to Rural Land Management: My Journey and Advice for Veterans

          From the Army to Rural Land Management: My Journey and Advice for Veterans

          Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh, where I shared my personal journey from military service to my current role as Head of Rural Land Management at Bell Ingram. It’s a story filled with highs, lows, and plenty of lessons learned. After 16 years in the Army, I transitioned to civilian life, a move that was both exciting and challenging, and now, I want to share some of the things I learned along the way to help other veterans considering their next steps.

          Life After the Military: The Start of a New Chapter

          I left the Army in 2006 after serving as a Major in the Royal Dragoon Guards. While I knew that I was ready for a new challenge, stepping into civilian life was more daunting than I expected. I had spent years preparing for this moment – researching careers and studying for a degree in Estate Management from Reading University while still serving. But no matter how prepared you feel, the shift can be overwhelming.

          The reality hit me hard when I took my first civilian job as a commercial chartered surveyor. I had thought this would be the perfect role to get my teeth into, but I quickly realised that it wasn’t the right fit for me. Commercial property, with its focus on retail, office, and industrial sectors, didn’t align with my passion for rural land management. That was a tough lesson, but it helped me better understand what I truly wanted to do.

          Finding My Path in Rural Land Management

          By 2010, I shifted to rural practice surveying, which felt like the perfect match for me. Today, as Bell Ingram’s Head of Land Management, I oversee a fantastic team of rural professionals, and we cover an area the size of Belgium from our offices in Beauly. My work is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to use both the skills I developed in the military and the expertise I’ve gained in the surveying world.

          Of course, getting here wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of moments where I questioned if I was on the right path. But with each challenge, I learned more about myself and the civilian world I had stepped into. Now, I want to pass along some of those lessons to other veterans who may be on a similar journey.

          Transitioning to Civilian Life: My Advice for Veterans

          If you’re getting ready to leave the military, my first piece of advice is to treat your transition like any other mission you’ve faced in the Army. Use the 7Ps – Prior Planning & Preparation Prevents P* Poor Performance. Take the time to plan your next steps carefully because this change can be unpredictable.

          Here are some of the key things I learned:

          1. Start Networking Early

          One of the most important things you can do is start building a network. I can’t stress this enough – get out there and meet people. Networking opened up many doors for me, and it can do the same for you. Don’t wait until you’ve already left the military to start. Engage in the resettlement process early, attend events, and reach out to people in the industries you’re interested in. Many jobs are filled through word of mouth, so being proactive is key.

          1. Geography Matters More Than You Think

          When I left the Army, my wife and I had already bought a house and relocated our young family to Perthshire. That decision tied me to a specific area, which limited my job prospects. It’s important to think carefully about where you want to live and how that will impact your career options. If you own a home, especially with children in local schools, you may need to prioritise job opportunities in that area, which can make things more challenging.

          1. Be Realistic, But Don’t Lose Sight of Your Ambitions

          The civilian world is different from the military, and you might have to start at a lower level than you’re used to. Don’t let that discourage you. You may have left the Army as a colonel, but your first job as a civilian might be at an entry level. That doesn’t mean you won’t rise quickly – it’s all part of the process. Keep your long-term goals in mind, and don’t let short-term setbacks derail your ambition.

          1. Civilian Employers May Not Understand Your Experience

          This is something I learned early on: civilians might not fully grasp the scale of your military experience. That’s okay. It’s up to you to explain what you’ve done in a way that resonates with them. Be humble, but don’t sell yourself short. What may seem like “just another day on the job” to you can be extraordinary to a potential employer.

          1. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Direction

          If your first job out of the military doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to switch gears. It’s okay to make course corrections. When I realised that commercial surveying wasn’t for me, I pivoted to rural practice surveying, and that was the best decision I could have made. Your career is a journey, and it’s okay to adjust along the way.

          What Veterans Bring to the Table

          Veterans have so much to offer, and I believe employers should recognise the unique skills we bring to the table. In the military, we’re trained to solve problems, adapt quickly, and make decisions under pressure – skills that are invaluable in any business setting.

          I would encourage employers to engage with veterans early in the hiring process. We may not always have the specific technical skills you’re looking for right off the bat, but we make up for it with leadership, adaptability, and a drive to succeed. Hiring a veteran isn’t just filling a position – it’s an investment in someone who will bring value and experience to your team.

          Why I Love Working in the Rural Sector

          One of the best parts of my job is the variety. No two days are the same, and I love the broad skill set that rural land management requires. The rural sector also offers a real sense of community and purpose. It’s incredibly satisfying to build strong relationships with clients and contribute to the local community.

          On top of that, working in the Highlands gives me the chance to enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland. The quality of life is unbeatable, and the work is fulfilling on a personal and professional level.

          Final Thoughts

          Transitioning from the military to civilian life is a big step, and it’s not always easy. But with the right mindset, careful planning, and a willingness to adapt, you can find success and fulfilment in your new career. For me, the rural sector has been the perfect fit, and I hope my story helps other veterans find their own path.

          Remember, you’ve already proven you can handle tough challenges in the military -this next phase is just another mission. With determination and a clear plan, you’ll get where you want to go.

          Our people

          Sam Guthrie

          Sam Guthrie

          Forester
          Forestry Management
          Tel: 01738 621 121

          About: Sam works across Scotland with a focus on delivering woodland management projects on the ground for a range of corporate and private clients. He has seven years’ experience in the sector and began his forestry career as a planter. Sam is currently studying for a PDA in Forestry Operations from the Scottish School of Forestry. Interests: Woodland Creation, Silviculture, Ecological Restoration.

          Get in touch

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

            Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page

            Scottish Government opens consultation on Crofting Reform

            Scottish Government opens consultation on Crofting Reform

            Crofting has a high historical and cultural importance to the Highland and Islands communities. Unique to Scotland, the land tenure promotes sustainable land use by local individuals where the land has often been crofted by their families for generations.

            According to the Crofting Commission there are approximately 21,500 Crofts recorded. To be a Crofter, the owner or the tenant of the Croft, must ordinarily be resident on, or within 32km of, their croft, they have a duty to cultivate and maintain their croft or put it to another purposeful use and they have a duty not to misuse of neglect their croft.

            The main pieces of legislation relating to crofting are the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993, as amended by the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Crofting (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2013. Now, the Scottish Government has opened up a consultation on proposals for changes and simplifications to crofting law. They are seeking views on proposals on:

            Entry to crofting

            Crofting communities

            Use of Common Grazings

            Strengthening residency and land use

            Enhance Crofting Commission powers

            Simplifying crofting

            The government wish to build on previous reforms to help more people to become crofters and improve support for existing crofters, enable more and different activities to take place on common grazings such as projects that are in line with environmental initiatives, streamline the process for breaches of crofters duties and to resolve crofting regulatory issues more quickly.

            At present, only one crofter can be registered to a croft and any assignation of a crofting tenancy can only be to one person. One of the proposals considers being able to create a joint crofting tenancy which would allow two people to be registered to a single croft. This is to be inline with other forms of tenancies available in the country such as the residential PRT agreements.

            Senior Surveyor at Bell Ingram, Hamish Hope comments: “The thought behind this is to allow crofters to use more resources from each party and in situations where an older crofter wishes to pass their tenancy to another family member but still wishes to remain as a tenant. The risk here is that a crofting tenancy is a heritable tenancy and if there were joint tenants, there could be a conflict on the future of the croft which would add complications to an already complicated land tenure. The consultation paper discusses this further.”

            Another proposal is in relation to Common Grazings, which are areas of land where multiple crofters have a right to graze the land known as a share. Common Grazings account for approximately 550,000 hectares of land in the country.

            Hamish continues: “Common Grazings are being used less and less with livestock numbers on crofts declining. The government proposes to remove barriers that will allow crofters to use common grazing land for other purposes such as woodland creation, biodiversity enhancement and peatland restoration. This could bring more income to the related crofting community and built stronger relationships. To do this, the roles of Grazing Committees need to be more simple and clear and Crofters need to be encouraged to actively use their shares.”

            To read the full Crofting Consultation Report which covers all aspects of the proposals, please click here. For all information regarding Crofting, please visit the Crofting Commission here.

            If you wish to discuss crofting with one of our land agents, please contact Bell Ingram here.

            Our people

            Hamish Hope

            Hamish Hope

            Senior Surveyor, MRICS
            Land Management
            Tel: 01463 717 799

            About: Hamish is an experienced RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer, working across the Highlands with a focus on rural estate management from traditional sporting estates to diversifications. He is a graduate of Edinburgh Napier University with MSc Real Estate Management and Investment. Interests: Estate Management, Sales & Lettings, Valuations, Domestic Energy Assessments.

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              Rural Land Management Page, The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

              Scottish Government introduces new land reform legislation

              Scottish Government introduces new land reform legislation with major implications for landowners

              On 13th March 2024, the Scottish Government introduced the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. The aim of this Bill is to reform the law around large landholdings and certain types of leases of land. The controversial Bill includes measures for landholding over 1,000 hectares including potentially prohibiting the sale of the land until Ministers have been consulted and the impact on the local community assessed.

              Landholdings of over 1,000 hectares account for over 50% of Scotland’s land so this Bill could potentially have drastic effects on how land is managed. If a sale of a landholding over 1,000 hectares is deemed by the ministers to have a negative impact on local communities, the land could be divided into smaller portions. This would allow for communities to purchase smaller land areas and provide opportunities for other parties who would not be able to purchase land otherwise to have the chance of land ownership.

              To tackle climate change and reach net zero, many landowners throughout the country have started work on peatland restoration projects, woodland creation, riparian woodland and more regenerative and environmentally friendly farming practices. If large landholdings are broken down into smaller parcels, there is a risk that these current cohesive and large scale projects will be slowed due to minister intervention and the requirement for agreements to be made between multiple landowners. This will potentially slow down the progress that is already being made to reach net zero.

              The Bill also puts legal responsibilities on landowners to demonstrate how their land is being used to address public policy priorities, contributing to nature restoration and reducing the impact climate change. Many landowners are already managing their land in a way to address these issues already. There will be the requirement for landowners to engage with local communities about how they use the land.

              The Bill also sheds light on a proposed new tenancy model called a “Land Management Tenancy” which the Ministers will publish, this is to support tenancy to manage the land within their tenancies in ways that meet their needs as well as the nation’s. Measures are also included to reform tenant farming, increase sustainability and productivity and to compensate tenants at the end of their agreements for their investment of time and resources.

              The Bill can be read in full here.

              The Scottish Government has also published the report on the findings of a consultation held as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment of agricultural tenancies, small landholdings and land management tenancy proposals. Within this report it is stated that many respondents noted that there needs to be a balance between tenants’ rights and landlords’ long term security. The respondents have also stated that further guidance and consultation is needed regarded a new tenancy model.

              The report and findings can be read here.

              Our people

              Hamish Hope

              Hamish Hope

              Senior Surveyor, MRICS
              Land Management
              Tel: 01463 717 799

              About: Hamish is an experienced RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer, working across the Highlands with a focus on rural estate management from traditional sporting estates to diversifications. He is a graduate of Edinburgh Napier University with MSc Real Estate Management and Investment. Interests: Estate Management, Sales & Lettings, Valuations, Domestic Energy Assessments.

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                Rural Land Management Page, The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

                Important Update for Landlords: Changes in Scotland’s Private Rented Sector

                Important Update: Changes in Scotland’s Private Rented Sector

                Since September 2022, there have been regulations in place to control rent increases and safeguard against evictions for privately let residential properties, established under the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022. However, effective April 1st, 2024, these restrictions, including the 3% rent increase cap, will be lifted.

                To mitigate the risk of significant rent hikes, pending parliamentary approval, the process for rent adjudication will be temporarily adjusted for one year, starting April 1st, 2024. This adjustment aims to provide a fair approach to resolving rent disputes during this transitional period.

                Here’s what landlords need to know about rent reviews in April:

                Private residential tenants can dispute a rent increase, with disputes reviewed by Rent Service Scotland or the First-tier Tribunal.

                Rent will be determined based on the lowest of three figures: the open market rate, the rent requested by the landlord, and a comparator based on the difference between the market rate and the current rate.

                Proposed regulations necessitate the use of a rent taper formula if a tenant applies for rent adjudication:

                *If the rent increase is 6% or less than the market rent, the landlord can increase the rent by the proposed amount.

                *If the gap between the market rent and the current rent exceeds 6%, the landlord can increase it by 6% plus 0.33% for each percent that the gap exceeds 6%. The total rent increase cannot exceed 12%.

                Read the Rent Adjudication (Temporary Modifications)(Scotland) Regulations 2024 here..

                As demand for rented property rises, many privately let properties with existing tenants now have below-market rent due to the 3% cap in place since 2022. This is likely to lead to widespread rent increases across the country, although the full impact on the market remains to be seen.

                Before these restrictions are lifted, further changes are set to take effect on March 1st, 2024, with new measures being added to the Repairing Standard, which applies to all privately let residential properties and Short Term Lets. These include:

                *Safe Kitchens

                *Fixed Heating System

                *Safe Access to Common Parts

                *Consent to Work on Common Parts

                *Safe and Secure Common Doors

                *Residual Current Devices

                *Properties must be free of lead pipes, or a water quality test must be carried out.

                *Other fuels, such as oil installations, must meet the same repair standards as gas and electricity installations.

                For full information regarding the changes to the Repairing Standard, click here. While many properties will already meet these additional requirements, there is a risk, primarily to older tenancies, that may not meet the new requirements, necessitating additional works.

                For further discussions on how these changes affect your property, please contact our professional letting agents at Bell Ingram.

                Our people

                Hamish Hope

                Hamish Hope

                Senior Surveyor, MRICS
                Land Management
                Tel: 01463 717 799

                About: Hamish is an experienced RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer, working across the Highlands with a focus on rural estate management from traditional sporting estates to diversifications. He is a graduate of Edinburgh Napier University with MSc Real Estate Management and Investment. Interests: Estate Management, Sales & Lettings, Valuations, Domestic Energy Assessments.

                Get in touch

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