Guest Blog: Managing trees and vegetation whilst being mindful of sustainability
By James Morrison, Senior Asset Engineer at Network Rail Scotland
We also have to balance our operational responsibilities with those of being a large landowner, as the railway contains significant flora and fauna and in turn natural capital. We employ professional (in house) ecologists to advise our teams on how to protect this biodiversity based on site observations, historic records or legal designations. Not all trees and vegetation are a risk to trains so we can, where safe to do so, retain, pollard or prune trees. Every site has specific requirements, and it takes the work of many professionals from across Scotland to manage the lineside areas that flank the tracks.
The Property Expert: Portsonachan lodges hit the market
Scotland’s tourism industry is thriving and no more so than the country’s stunning west coast. One particular sleepy village near the banks of Loch Awe is pulling in visitors from across the globe for its picturesque location, and outdoor credentials including ample walking and cycling trails and water sports. Located just a short drive from Dalmally in the county of Argyll and Bute, Portsonachan is home to the impressive Portsonachan hotel and its nearby chalets where our Oban Estate Agents are marketing nine beautifully presented lodges.
These 1–4-bedroom lodges present an opportunity to purchase a holiday home for leisurely excursions with family and friends, or to run as a successful holiday let business. Here is a flavour of the properties on the market.
Stirling Lodge
Stirling Lodge at Portsonachan offers buyers an opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented three-bedroom wooden chalet, complete with built in sauna and external hot tub. With its modern open plan kitchen, stylish bathroom and spacious bedrooms, the lodge is perfect for entertaining family and friends. Stunning views across one of Scotland’s most picturesque locations will be sure to impress.
Offers over £325,000.
See more: Stirling Lodge, Portsonachan, Dalmally, PA33 1BJ | Bell Ingram
Carrick Lodge
This three-bedroom lodge has many of the outstanding features as Stirling Lodge, including built-in sauna and hot tub. Set just a little further back from the loch, Carrick Lodge enjoys a pleasant tree-lined vista, enjoyed from its expansive balcony, the perfect place to sit and take in the glorious surroundings.
Offers over £300,000.
See more: Carrick Lodge, Portsonachan, Dalmally, PA33 1BJ | Bell Ingram
Eilean Lodge
This two-storey semi-detached wooden chalet offers two ground floor bedrooms complimented by a spacious upstairs living area, with a balcony that enjoys far reaching views across to Loch Awe. The downstairs decking area is home to a welcoming hot tub.
Offers over £215,000
See more: Eilean Donan Lodge, Portsonachan, Dalmally, PA33 1BJ | Bell Ingram
Duart Lodge
The smallest, yet one of the most popular lodges available, this semi-detached one-bedroom lodge is the perfect couples’ retreat. Offering a blend of rustic and modern living, the kitchen is traditional farmhouse style, while the open plan living space provides ample space to sit and unwind. A large decking looks out across the gardens towards Loch Awe.
Offers over £195,000
See more: Duart Lodge, Portsonachan, Dalmally, PA33 1BJ | Bell Ingram
For more information on the lodges, or our Estate Agency service on the West Coast contact our Senior Associate Andrew Fuller on 01631 567 791, or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk
Our people
Andrew Fuller
Senior Associate
Estate Agency
Tel: 01631 566 122
About: Andrew heads up the Estate Agency team in our Oban office and is focused on ensuring his clients have a first-class experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. A resident of the Isle of Mull, Andrew is very well known across the West Coast of Scotland and has developed an excellent reputation for marketing prime residential property, including plots, crofts, island homes and lifestyle opportunities. Andrew joined Bell Ingram following almost 15 years managing several high-level private and commercial development projects in the United Arab Emirates. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.
Article posted on 27/09/2022
What’s next for Scottish Agriculture? ScotGov’s vision for Scottish agriculture is light on practical detail
By Head of Rural Land Management, Malcolm Taylor
The decision to bring forward BPS payments a month earlier from October to September 2022 has received a positive reception from Scottish farmers facing the triple whammy of rising fuel, fertiliser and feed costs.
However, farming businesses are still awaiting further clarity on what future support payments will look like following the Scottish Government’s publication of its vision for Scotland to become a ‘global leader’ in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
The statement, which was published in March, promises a ‘robust and coherent framework’ to underpin Scotland’s future agriculture support regime from 2025 onwards. This will, it says, deliver high quality food production, climate mitigation and adaptation, and nature restoration.
The statement also outlines a “twin-track” National Test Programme designed to enhance knowledge exchange and improve environmental measurement tools.
Malcolm Taylor, Head of Land Management at Bell Ingram, has broadly welcomed the programme. He said: “Any strategy that promises to develop sustainable and regenerative farming alongside greater environmental protection has to be seen in a positive light. However, the statement is light on practical detail and reads more like a wish-list at this stage.
“Track two of the National Test Programme, for example, needs the fine print fleshed out so that farming businesses can ensure their environmental performance stacks up ahead of any future public support package coming into force.”
“If we are to plan and invest in the long-term future of our businesses, farmers and land managers need further clarity, especially around what future BPS payments might look like.”
Track One
Track One encourages farms to improve their knowledge of current environmental performance and efficiency. Support will incentivise businesses to engage with and adopt measures that will create a baseline of information and understanding in sustainable agriculture. This is an opportunity open to all farmers, crofters and land managers, to enable their businesses to gain an understanding of their own baseline at an individual farm level.
Track Two
Track Two is short on details, but ScotGov says its purpose is to design, test, improve and standardise the tools, support and process necessary to reward farmers, crofters and land managers for the climate and biodiversity outcomes they deliver.
This will create a robust understanding of how new conditions or activities could be applied to future support and ensure delivery of environmental outcomes in a way that supports sustainable businesses.
Track 2 will include detailed testing of more involved tools and advice that will establish a robust method through which farmers can record the benefits to climate and nature they deliver through their businesses. Once tested these can then be rolled out to all farmers and crofters.
Programme rollout
The Programme began earlier this year with a phased approach to rolling out measures for current recipients of farm support payments, with the aim that these measures will become a mandatory requirement for accessing support.
By 2025, the plan is for at least half of all payments within current schemes to become conditional on farmers meeting the new government measures. This is being referred to as farmers needing to meet ‘enhanced conditionality’.
The statement promises: “We are also committed to ensuring that information and data will flow smoothly and securely through a future payments system which allows for benchmarking, national baselining, assessment and analysis of success and further learning opportunities and individual business decision making.”
If you would like to talk about any aspect of how changes in agricultural policy might affect your farming business, contact Malcolm Taylor, Bell Ingram’s Head of Land Management, on 01307 462516 or email malcolm.taylor@bellingram.co.uk
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.
Article posted on 14/09/2022
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
Increased rates for Basic Payment Scheme and Greening 2022Following a budget review, farmers and crofters in Scotland are set to receive an increased rate on Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payments for 2022.Details of the revised rates will be published to the RP&S website. Below is a table of the revised rates for information.Payments relating to BPS, Young Farmers Payment and Greening are due to commence at the end of September.The revised rates for 2022 are:Table 1 – Payment rates for BPS and Greening 2022:
Table 2 – Combined payment rates for BPS and Greening 2022 compared to the 2021 rates:
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Article posted on 01/09/2022
New showroom for Stirling SKODA
Creating a new modern facility for this iconic brand.
Brief
In 2016 Bell Ingram Design (BID) was appointed to design a new showroom for Skoda West End located in Stirling. The basis of the design was to create new modern facility positioned on a site by Forthside Way, located approximately half a mile from the city centre. The new premises includes showroom space for eight cars and contains a workshop garage for MOT services.
Process
The existing area was to be cleared of trees and shrubs and de-stoned to include a grass edge to the site. The selected location for the showroom presented challenging ground conditions, consequently, the design was approached with careful consideration of the building’s foundation.
Outcome
A crucial part of the brief was to incorporate a variety of signage for Skoda which was visible from all relevant approaches to the site for heightened consumer interaction. This was to include branded flags, logo walls on active frontages and a prominent entrance portal for customers. Internally, a mezzanine level was included to create more floor area which contains an additional manager office and meeting space with glazed screening to overlook the double height showroom below.
Our people
Our people
Iain Cram
Architect
Design
Tel: 01738 621 121
About: Iain is Partner in charge of Bell Ingram Design. His main role is working with clients on projects from the initial concept, through site searches, funding challenges and statutory consents. He's an experienced and talented architect with a long track record, working on a diverse range of projects from small scale residential through to large public, commercial, residential and tourism builds. Interests: Architecture, Building Surveying, Trustee of the Scottish Lime Centre, a highly respected historic building skills training centre.
Article posted on 01/09/2022
New inquiry into sustainable timber and deforestation
A new parliamentary inquiry will examine the UK’s sustainable timber industry and the UK’s contribution to global deforestation.
The inquiry by the Environmental Audit Committee will investigate how the UK, which imports most of its timber, can best scale up a sustainable, resilient domestic timber sector and reduce its reliance on imports.
In addition, the inquiry will examine the degree to which UK supply chains contribute to deforestation overseas and the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to curb this. Consideration will also be given to how the UK works with international partners to tackle deforestation.
Geoff Brown, Bell Ingram’s Head of Forestry, said: “I’m sure that this new inquiry into the UK timber industry and global deforestation will be welcomed across the forestry sector as it’s vital that we ensure our timber industry is future proofed and can support ambitious net zero targets across the UK’s four administrations while at the same time giving us a better understanding of the worldwide impact of any imports.”
This inquiry welcomes submissions until Thursday 8 September 2022. Search the UK Government website for more details.
Find out more about our Forestry services here.
Article posted on 01/09/2022