It’s Not Just The Traitors Who Are Plotting…

If there’s one thing the west coast of Scotland does better than dramatic scenery and unpredictable weather, it’s inspiring people to dream big. Increasingly, those dreams begin with a simple patch of land. Across Argyll, Mull, Ulva and the wider Hebridean coast, interest in land and development plots is booming – and specialist firms such as Bell Ingram Oban are right at the heart of it.

While Scotland’s love of a good plot twist may be fuelled by television hits like The Traitors, the real plotting happening in the west is far more literal. Buyers are snapping up small serviced plots, lifestyle parcels and larger development-ready tracts for self-build homes, future projects, or as long-term investments to hold until the timing is right.

Few places have captured the public imagination quite like the Isle of Ulva. Once home to hundreds, Ulva’s population fell to just six residents before a landmark community buyout in 2018 marked a turning point. Interest has surged again thanks to Banjo Beale and Rohan Christopher, whose popular Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel follows their ambitious restoration of the historic Ulva House into a boutique hotel.

Filmed throughout 2025, the series shines a spotlight on Ulva’s character, logistical challenges and remarkable potential. With creativity, mishaps and sheer determination on display, the island is increasingly viewed not as a remote outpost, but as a place where bold ideas can take root – a narrative reinforced by community-led regeneration and renewed interest in settlement.

It is therefore no surprise that development land and plots on Ulva and across the surrounding region, marketed by Bell Ingram, are attracting heightened attention from buyers inspired by the island’s story.

Not everyone purchasing a plot intends to build immediately. A growing proportion of west coast buyers are securing land as part of a longer-term vision – waiting for finances, designs or life circumstances to align, or simply banking land for a future family project. One thing is certain: once you own a piece of the west coast, you have secured your place within one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

Bell Ingram continues to see strong demand for small lifestyle plots, ideal for self-build homes, holiday lets or future relocation, as well as larger parcels offering scope for multiple dwellings. These larger sites, often in scenic yet accessible locations, are particularly attractive to developers exploring opportunities for sustainable and affordable housing.

Beyond the recent media attention, the west coast’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of wilderness, heritage and strong communities. We are witnessing the benefits of renewed settlement through both private and community ownership models, with Ulva standing as a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities take control of their future and newcomers are inspired to play a part.

As Banjo jokes in the programme, “we’ve officially lost the plot”. In reality, however, many people are doing the opposite – finding their plot, and beginning their own west coast story.

For further information on plot and land sales across Argyll and the Highlands, please contact Andrew Fuller at Bell Ingram Oban.

Bell Ingram Recognised as an Exemplary Employer for Carers

Bell Ingram is delighted to announce it has been recognised as a Carer Positive Exemplary organisation, the highest award offered by Carers Scotland.

The Carer Positive Exemplary award is presented to employers in Scotland who have a working environment where carers are valued and supported.

Carer Positive employers recognise the importance of supporting carers in their workforce through flexible working policies or with simple, practical measures which can make a big difference.  This helps with retaining experienced members of staff, reducing absence, and cutting down on avoidable recruitment costs.

Bell Ingram supports its carers through dedicated carer’s leave, flexible working, one hour a week for admin tasks, and our Carer’s Forum which meets regularly for employees to share practical tips about how to balance work and caring responsibilities, as well as a safe space to share some of the harder moments of life as a carer to a loved one.

HR Manager, Kirsty Watson said: “People are at the heart of Bell Ingram and as an employer we are committed to supporting our team in all aspects of their lives.  We have several carers already in the organisation who benefit from our supportive working environment. We look forward to working with Carers Scotland on how we can further improve life at Bell Ingram for our employees with caring responsibilities.”

Hayley Burton, Senior Employment Manager at Carers Scotland, who presented the award to Bell Ingram at its staff conference, congratulated Bell Ingram: “It has been fantastic to read about the support you have in place for carers across the organisation, how you support employees, and particularly those in rural areas where access to support and services can be more challenging and pose an additional barrier to caring.”

Scotland’s New Land Reform Bill: A Step Too Far for the Rural Economy?

The Scottish Government has passed a new Land Reform Bill that could see the enforced break-up of some of Scotland’s largest rural estates. The legislation aims to tackle the concentration of land ownership and increase community involvement in decisions about privately owned land.

Under the Bill, estates defined as Large Landholdings – generally those exceeding 1,000 hectares (though this threshold may yet change) – will face several new obligations, including:

• Land Management Plans: Owners must prepare a plan and consult local communities on its content.

• Ministerial Notification: Scottish Ministers must be notified before any Large Landholding is put up for sale.

• Community Purchase Rights: Community bodies will have enhanced rights to buy land when a Large Landholding is sold.

• Lotting Requirements: Before a sale, Ministers may require the estate to be divided into smaller parcels or “lots.”

The Bill has faced strong criticism across Scotland’s rural sector. Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, commented that “this legislation has succeeded in uniting landowners, land reform campaigners, lawyers, property agents and accountants – all of whom recognise that, whatever your stance on land reform, this is junk law.” She added that many provisions are so poorly drafted that they may take years to implement, if ever.

At Bell Ingram, we remain committed to guiding our clients through the complexities of this new legislation once it takes effect. The changes will undoubtedly bring significant challenges. New expectations around land management plans, community engagement, and the potential for enforced lotting will require considerable time, resources, and adaptability.

While the goal of empowering communities is understandable, the Government’s increasing involvement in the highly technical and specialist process of land sales risks undermining Scotland’s rural economy. Effective land management demands expertise, flexibility, and long-term planning – qualities best achieved through collaboration, not bureaucracy.