Press Release Archive News

Bell Ingram boosts team with six new Associate appointments

Bell Ingram boosts team with six new Associate appointments

Rural professional services firm Bell Ingram is delighted to announce the promotion of three Senior Associates and the appointment of three new Associates.

Rhona Booth (Perth), Andrew Fuller (Oban) and Charlotte Gilfillan (Highland) are promoted to Senior Associate, while Jamie Cowie (Highland), Alison Lowson (Perth) and Alastair Skinner (Perth) are appointed to Associate.

Mark Michell, Managing Partner of Bell Ingram, said: “At Bell Ingram, we firmly believe in actively promoting from within to encourage our employees to advance professionally. These promotions demonstrate our continuing commitment to grow and expand our business and to reward talented, hard-working professional people.

“We are currently recruiting for a number of positions, including qualified chartered surveyors and a head of forestry. If you would like to join our workforce, feel free to drop your CV for our consideration.”

  • Chartered surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer, Rhona Booth joined the Perth office in March 2020 and since then has brought in new clients and taken on the lead role on a major management contract. Rhona has also assumed the role of APC training co-ordinator.

  • Andrew Fuller joined Bell Ingram in 2018 after 14 years managing high-level development projects in the U.A.E. Under his guidance Bell Ingram’s Estate Agency business is becoming the go-to Agent for rural and higher value properties in Argyll and Bute.

  • Charlotte Gillfillan joined Bell Ingram in 2009, moving from Forfar to Beauly in 2019 where she has been a driving force in helping to develop the Bell Ingram brand in the Highlands. A qualified chartered surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer, she specialises in Rural Estate Management.

  • Dual qualified Jamie Cowie joined Bell Ingram in 2003 as a forest manager before going on to become a MRICS qualified chartered surveyor. Working out of the Highland office he undertakes the full range of professional work – forestry management, valuation, boundary disputes, crofting work and his skills are specifically sought after by larger utilities clients.

  • Alastair Skinner joined Bell Ingram in April 2011 as an IT assistant before taking over the role of IT Manager in 2019. He has been instrumental in developing our agile IT infrastructure which has enabled staff to work from remote locations to provide an ongoing service to our clients across all areas of our business.

  • Marketing Manager Alison Lowson supports the business with day-to-day marketing and communications with an emphasis on digital marketing, content writing and social media. Alison previously worked as a newspaper editor before joining Bell Ingram in 2019 after an 18-month stint with a marketing agency.

Full details of all our current vacancies at www.bellingram.co.uk

Our people

Alison Lowson

Alison Lowson

Associate
Marketing Manager
Tel: 01738 621 121

About: Alison heads up Bell Ingram’s marketing and PR team. She is a marketing and communications specialist who has worked across a wide range of sectors including social enterprise, events, museums, charities, farming, law, technology, building and public sector. Previously she was a regional editor with Media Scotland, co-ordinating print and digital newspaper titles across Central Tayside. Interests: Brand Marketing, Sales and Business Development, Public Relations and Media Management, Content Creation, Newspaper and Magazine Production, Event Planning and Delivery.

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    Article posted on 26/05/2021

    Press Release Archive News

    Review Park cottages offer a rare opportunity to own a slice of history near Dunrobin Castle

    Rare opportunity to own slice of Highland History

    An opportunity to purchase two properties steeped in Highland history has arisen with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram.

    On the market for offers over £150,000, 1 & 2 Review Park are situated on the outskirts of Golspie and a stone’s throw from the magnificent Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Sutherland Clan.

    The cottages were built circa 1800 in the Countess of Sutherland’s Review Park, where the famous 93rd Highlander Regiment of Foot were raised in 1799.

    From their base in Golspie, the 93rd Highlander regiment went on to fight all over the world with the British Army, but their name was cemented into the history books during the Crimean War at the Battle of Balaclava.

    As the Russians approached the site occupied by the Brits, the 93rd formed a line across the cavalry’s line of advance. William Russell, the Times correspondent, described the sight of the regiment as a ‘thin red line tipped with steel’. Despite being vastly outnumbered by their counterparts, the regiment’s unyielding presence caused the Russians to abandon their intention of taking Balaclava and the phrase ‘thin red line’ went on to symbolise any thinly spread military unit holding firm against attack.

    As well as a popular stop on the North Coast 500, the Golspie area is a favourite for military historians and recently became home to the Battle of Littleferry Trail which takes history buffs on the journey of a Jacobean battle that took place on the eve of the famous Culloden clash.

    The properties, which are on the market as a single lot, are category B Listed and offer the right buyer an exciting renovation and refurbishment opportunity.

    Estate Agent, Joanne Stennett, comments on the sale: “1 & 2 Review Park are the perfect projects for a property lover with a keen interest in history.

    “It is rare to see properties come to the market that are so rich in local, national and international history and we are excited to be part of the next step in their journey.”

    For more information on 1 & 2 Review Park please contact Joanne Stennett on 01463 717799 or email joanne.stennett@bellingram.co.uk

    Our people

    Joanne Stennett

    Joanne Stennett

    Associate
    Estate Agency
    Tel: 01463 717 799

    About: Joanne heads up the Estate Agency team in our Beauly office and is focused on ensuring her clients have a positive experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. From country houses to farms and estates, she has been marketing prime residential property in the Highlands and Islands for over 17 years. Joanne is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

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

      Article posted on 12/05/2022

      Press Release Archive News

      Bell Ingram’s Head of Estate Agency Carl Warden urges sellers not to wait

      Bell Ingram’s Head of Estate Agency Carl Warden urges sellers not to wait

      Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency at premium rural agency, Bell Ingram, advises prospective sellers and buyers not to wait until the property market get back to ‘normal’
       
      Who remembers the boom and bust property markets of the early 1970s or the late 1980s? Who remembers the MIRAS debacle in 1988 and 15% mortgage interest rates? More people will remember recent mini booms and busts, general elections, Black Wednesday, the Scottish referendum, the banking crisis, Brexit and, of course, the global pandemic. Over the years all these events, large and small, have affected the market to a greater or lesser extent.

      So, if anyone is waiting for the property market to get back to ‘normal’ they will wait a long time as there is no normal property market. In property we have to play the cards we are dealt. Sometimes the market will benefit the buyer, and sometimes the seller. In all these years the market has never suited both buyers and sellers at the same time. But then what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts.

      It is essential to understand that the market is continually in flux. We now have the challenge of low stocks of property for sale, increasing interest rates and property values in some areas rising steeply. Will this continue? No. Why? Because nothing continues unchanged in property for long. Things are constantly moving.

      So, my advice is to play the property, not the market. Find a deal that works for you. Please don’t wait for the market to normalise; it won’t. Don’t try and wait until we have reached the top of the market to sell, because when you think that the market has reached the top, it will already be too late. Winning in property is finding the right property deal for you when you need it. Put another way, would you rather have a perfect property or a perfect market? I know which I would choose.

      If you are looking to sell your property, speak to our Estate Agency team to organise a free market appraisal. Call 017380 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk

      Our people

      Carl Warden

      Carl Warden

      Partner
      Estate Agency
      Tel: 01738 621 121

      About: Carl heads up the Residential Estate Agency division for the company and has a proven track record within the Scottish property sector. He has been marketing property in the Perth and Kinross area for over 35 years and has vast and detailed practical experience and knowledge of selling prime residential property: from period homes to contemporary developments. Carl is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. His wider role involves looking after and supporting our Agency teams and colleagues in Oban, Beauly, Ayr and Forfar. Interests: Estate Agency, Market Valuation, Negotiation.

      Get in touch

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

        Article posted on 07/03/2022

        Press Release Archive News

        Historic property in enviable coastal position on remote North coast of Scotland

        Historic property in enviable coastal position on remote North coast of Scotland

        A rare opportunity to purchase a historic property on the banks of Sandside Harbour on the remote north coast of Scotland is on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram.

        Nestled into a sleepy bay, number 1 Sandside Harbour sits in an enviable position overlooking a small sandy beach to the crystal blue water of the Pentland Firth beyond.

        Located along the coast from Reay, a picturesque village with stunning stone built houses, and 11 miles west of Thurso, the property benefits from close proximity to multiple sandy beaches and the most northerly 18-hole golf course in the country.

        The one bedroom property, which is Category A listed, is a stone cottage that was built in 1830 and has been in the same family ownership since 1965.

        The property itself has been tastefully modernised and comprises a modern kitchen and living room, featuring an open cast iron fire on the ground floor, and one bedroom and bathroom on the first floor above. A garage is attached to the property and a good size garden features to the rear.

        Bell Ingram Estate Agent, Joanne Stennett comments: “It is rare to see an attractive property in such an idyllic location come to the market in this particular area of the north coast.

        “This is a wonderful opportunity for those looking to purchase a first home. For buyers looking for a coastal property with a real remote feel then this could be the one for you.”

        For more information on number 1 Sandside Harbour contact Joanne Stennett on 01463 717799 or email joanne.stennett@bellingram.co.uk

        Article posted on 28/02/2022

        Our Services Page, Press Release Archive News

        Durris depot reflects the future of low carbon workplace builds

        Durris depot reflects the future of low carbon workplace builds

        Designing a low carbon office for Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has been a hugely rewarding experience for Murray Fleming, Bell Ingram Design’s senior architect.

        He wanted to create an exemplar for his clients, who are strongly focused on sustainability as they strive to become a greener organisation and ultimately reach their Net Zero goal.

        The build, which is located at FLS’s Durris Depot near Banchory, provided the opportunity to deliver an optimised workplace, using sustainable materials and minimising energy consumption.

        Murray Fleming says: “Forestry and Land Scotland’s commitment to making its infrastructure more sustainable meant it was extremely important for BID to deliver a sustainable and inclusive workplace which embedded our client’s green principles in its design.

        “In many ways Durris offers a glimpse into the future of workplace construction. Unfortunately, builds like this are still the exception, but by highlighting the benefits of using sustainable materials, making renewable energy choices and incorporating smarter working principals, we hope to encourage others in the sector to consider such techniques.”

        A flexible design has enabled Bell Ingram Design to embrace the Civil Service’s ‘smarter working’ principles of using technology, property and leadership to give workers more flexibility over how, when and where they work.

        There are no allocated desks or fixed computers, instead the office accommodation at Durris allows for quick laptop connection at any workstation by any user. To facilitate a ‘clear desk’ policy, lockers are provided for personal staff belongings. In addition, all desks are ‘rise and fall’ allowing a personalised set-up from sitting to standing.

        Elsewhere, breakout areas are provided for casual one-to-one meetings and ‘touch down’ short period use, and an external terrace further extends the flexibility of the working environment.

        A key element in the build was the choice of materials. Sustainably sourced larch cladding was the low energy choice for the timber exterior, while castor-oil-based open cell spray insulation provides exceptional air tightness.

        Murray used aluminium clad timber windows and doors which combined the low embodied energy of timber and the long-term performance of aluminium with its ability to recycle at the end of the building’s life. Aluminium profile sheeting was used on the roof as well, again for its long term performance and recycling credentials.

        To minimise energy consumption, the orientation and glazing were designed to maximise passive solar energy gains, with external louvres providing protection from summer overheating. Summer cooling is enhanced by the inclusion of sliding doors to the staff room and main office. All lighting is LED although the high levels of daylighting reduces the need for artificial lighting.

        Heating is provided by an air source pump also serving water based underfloor heating. With 100% renewable electricity available this approach allows the building to operate with a fully renewable energy source.

        Along with the construction of the new building, the brief also included extensive upgrades to the external yard areas to provide additional parking and improvements to the day-to-day operation of the depot.

        If you are considering a building project of any size, Bell Ingram Design is on hand to provide the expert advice to help you achieve your goals. Email design@bellingram.co.uk

        Article posted on 10/02/2022

        Farm & Estate Sales Page, Press Release Archive News

        Perthshire estate achieved significantly over the asking price after being offered in five separate lots

        Perthshire estate achieved significantly over the asking price after being offered in five separate Lots

        The successful sale of the Perthshire estate was one of the highlights of 2021 for Carl Warden, Partner and Head of Estate Agency.

        The 275-acre estate, which centred around a nine-bedroom principal house, parts of which dated back to the 1500s, had been in the same family for a number of generations.

        With outstanding views over River Tay to the hills beyond, the property also encompassed two detached cottages, grazing land, salmon fishing rights and woodland. Interestingly, the top section of the estate was subject to an SSSI as an important breeding ground for the Northern Blue Damselfly.

        On the death of the last of the family, his Executors asked Bell Ingram to put Eastertyre to the open market and it generated significant interest when it was launched for sale in springtime.

        To achieve the best possible outcome for our client, it was decided to offer the estate both as a whole and also as five separate lots – each of the three residential properties (with an area of surrounding land), the hill land with grazing, and the salmon fishing rights.

        This highly successful strategy generated 173 viewings, which required careful organisation by our Agency team as Covid restrictions were still in place!

        It went to a closing date after seven weeks and interested parties were asked to submit two offers each – one covering a complete ‘lot’ and a second offer with their ‘wish list’.

        Fifty offers were received in total and the Estate was eventually sold in three lots achieving significantly above the initial listing at offers over £1.6 million.

        Carl Warden said: “Eastertyre was a fantastic sale to be involved with and the complexity of the situation demonstrated Bell Ingram’s range of expertise and our ability to add value to your property sale.

        “When selling a property like this, it is vital that you employ a professional agent who can navigate the market with experience and sensitivity.

        “Our sales team can offer a full range of marketing strategies and create a bespoke blueprint to deliver maximum exposure which could result in additional offers and a higher value being attained.

        “Looking ahead to the rest of 2022, we predict clients who bring land to the market in 2022 will be rewarded with strong prices.”

        If you are considering an estate sale, our dedicated team is on hand to provide the expert advice you need to help achieve the best possible result. Contact Carl Warden on 01738 621 121 or email warden@bellingram.co.uk

        Article posted on 21/12/2021

        Press Release Archive News

        Best of both town and country on offer at four bed bungalow near Kinross

        Best of both worlds on offer at Berryknowe

        Buyers looking for rural living with close access to amenities need look no further than Berryknowe, on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram, for offers over £470,000.

        The four bedroom, detached bungalow is located at Hatchbank near Kinross and offers semi-rural living with far reaching countryside views, yet only five minutes drive from the charming town of Kinross with its ample amenities.

        A substantial property, perfect for family living, Berryknowe boasts a modern dining kitchen, garden room with stunning views across the fields, family bathroom, large vestibule and reception hall and a tandem double garage.

        The well laid out accommodation has quality fixtures and fittings including hardwood panel and part glazed doors, a German kitchen, ceiling cornicing and hardwood flooring in the vestibule and reception hall.

        Meanwhile, the bungalow’s thoughtful lay out means a countryside outlook can be viewed throughout the home.

        Surrounding the property is a spacious landscaped garden offering lots of outdoor space to enjoy the views beyond.

        The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast, including nearby Loch Leven, renowned for its excellent trout fishing and excellent walking, cycling and riding opportunities.

        For families, some of the most prestigious private schools can be found nearby at Strathallan, Kilgraston school for girls, Glenalmond, Craigclowan and St Leonard’s.

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

        Article posted on 01/12/2021

        Farm & Estate Sales Page, Press Release Archive News

        Estate Agents draw on forestry, GIS mapping and planning expertise to achieve record price for farming client

        Estate Agents draw on forestry, mapping and planning expertise to achieve a record price for farming client

        The sale of Bandominie Farm was one of the most memorable property transactions of 2021 for Carl Warden, Partner and Head of Estate Agency.

        Bell Ingram’s Agency team drew on the expertise of colleagues from the company’s Forestry, Mapping and Planning departments to achieve a record result for their client, all the time navigating the challenges of ever-changing Covid restrictions as the market eased out of lockdown.

        Located on the edge of the very buoyant Glasgow market, the 380-acre Bandominie Farm consisted of a farmhouse with outbuildings, a modern bungalow and a large area of forestry land.

        The owner, who had lived there all his life, occupied the modern bungalow with his own family, while his elderly parents remained in the original farmhouse, which was in need of considerable modernisation and renovation.

        To achieve the best possible price for our client, we advised that breaking the farm into separate parts would be the most lucrative way forward.

        The first step in this process was to map the property thoroughly and our in-house GIS Mapping Department was tasked with providing three mapped areas of land – 275 acres for forestry planting, 19 acres to go with the old farmhouse and its considerable outbuildings, and a further 2.5 acres of paddock to be sold with the modern bungalow.

        Bell Ingram’s Planning Department then made an application to have the Section 75 removed from the farm which allowed us to sell the residential properties separately. 

        The two residential properties were listed at £200k for the farmhouse, outbuildings and 19 acres, while the modern bungalow was put to the market at £250k with the paddocks and two small stables. 

        The attractive sales price, coupled with the lack of available stock in the Glasgow area, generated just short of 200 enquiries which resulted in 121 viewings being arranged in only six working days. A closing date saw both properties sold to the same buyer, achieving almost 25% above their asking price. 

        However, it was the Forestry element of the sale which ultimately generated the best outcome. Bell Ingram’s Forestry Department approached their private clients offering the 275 acres for an asking price in the region of £450,000 to £650,000, and our client was rather overwhelmed when a closing date achieved significantly above the asking price!

        Carl Warden said: “Bandominie is a great example of why it can make sense to break complex properties down into separate components if you want to achieve the best possible price. It also underlines why it’s important to employ an agent with rural land and business experience who can draw on a range of expertise to add value to the sale.”

        If you are considering selling your farm, our dedicated team is on hand to provide the expert advice you need to help achieve the best possible result. Contact Carl Warden on 01738 621 121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk

        Article posted on 21/12/2021

        Press Release Archive News

        Turf roofed Victorian ice house for sale on Crinan Ferry Peninsula

        Turf roofed Victorian ice house ‘unlike anything currently on the market’

        Just behind the shores of a secluded beach on the remote Crinan Ferry Peninsula lies a turf roofed Victorian ice house, on the market with premium rural estate agents, Bell Ingram.

        The Ice House dates back to the early 19th century and has previously enjoyed fame on the television series George Clarke’s Restoration Man.

        Once used to store ice throughout and refrigerate fish throughout the year, the historical significance of the property is immediately apparent through its entrance door which leads to a large chamber that is thought to have served as a food packing area during the 19th Century. The property also includes the original loading hatch through which the ice was fed.

        In recent years the Ice House has been updated to include a stunning frameless ice like ‘light loft’ fitted with bespoke, reinforced and heated glass walls, door and glass floor, ironically keeping it warm throughout the year, instead of cold.

        Its iconic barrel-vaulted glazed extension comes with a turf roof, which from above gives the impression of the house blending seamlessly into its stunning surroundings at Crinan Ferry.

        The sheltered sandy bay at the mouth of the River Add, seven miles from Lochgilphead offers gorgeous views to Duntrune Castle. The one acre plot benefits from a coastal outlook across the bay, often enjoyed by the current owner from a hot tub on one of the site’s elevated terraces.

        Estate Agent, Andrew Fuller comments: “We are excited to bring this unique and historical property to the market. With its prime waterfront location and one of a kind building, the Crinan Ferry Ice House is unlike anything currently on the market.

        “Perfect for history lovers and nature lovers alike, the Ice House at Crinan offers buyers the opportunity to truly ‘escape it all’.  Originally, planning permission and listed building consents were granted to upgrade the property into a quirky residential dwelling, however the sizable land area also offers potential for development of a separate, detached residential dwelling subject to the necessary planning consent.”

        For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Andrew Fuller on 01631 567791 or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk

        Article posted on 29/11/2021