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