Bell Ingram In The Community News

Bell Ingram supports farmers’ charity RSABI through its corporate supporters’ scheme

RSABI Supporters Scheme

Bell Ingram is once again supporting farmers’ charity RSABI through its corporate supporters’ scheme.

By joining the scheme, the company will provide 10-12 counselling sessions for a farmer struggling with poor mental health helping them to move forward.

RASABI exists to support people in Scottish agriculture by providing important emotional, practical and financial assistance to individuals and their families across the sector.

Find out more at www.rsabi.org.uk

Article posted on 15/02/2022

Bell Ingram In The Community News

Youth Advisory Group video is a milestone for Countryside Learning Scotland

Youth Advisory Group video is a milestone for Countryside Learning Scotland

When members of Countryside Learning Scotland’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) join Bell Ingram on our Royal Highland Show stand this summer, it will be a milestone moment in the drive to nurture Scotland’s future countryside custodians.

Despite the pandemic, this select group of young people have been pressing ahead with their project to create a special video to increase awareness in secondary schools of training and careers in the rural sector.

The group is currently putting the finishing touches to the film, which will be ready to view in time for the 2022 Royal Highland Show.

David Ritchie, CLS Youth Advisory Group’s Project Manager, said: “The film covers the results of a questionnaire looking at barriers to countryside learning and the opportunities for land-based careers and it’s filmed and presented by YAG members themselves.”

Mark Mitchell, Bell Ingram Managing Partner, added: “I am delighted to support YAG and looking forward to welcoming them to Ingliston and learning more about the video and their wider remit to help define the future direction of the charity.”

Based in Perthshire, Countryside Learning Scotland is an education charity formed in 2003 to meet the need for outdoor learning in primarily secondary schools.

Ian Robertson, CLS Executive Director, said: “We encompass all areas of the countryside, from recreation to the environment and traditional land uses, helping to sustain Scotland’s countryside through education and providing opportunity for people from all backgrounds and abilities.

“We do this by increasing rural opportunity awareness through outreach events and teacher training and by partnership building and rural business training in the local community. Teachers become our ‘countryside champions’ and businesses learn to engage with their next generation of employees.

“For young people we build a progressive programme of awareness, residential and work experience events and support them transition from school to work.”

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Mark Mitchell

Mark Mitchell

Managing Partner, FRICS
Rural Land Management, Valuations
Tel: 01738 646 584

About: Mark is responsible for the strategic direction and overall performance of the firm. He specialises in all aspects of Estate and Facilities Management for private, corporate and public sector clients. He is experienced in the acquisition, disposal and management of estates and farms, rental negotiation and management of residential property. Interests: Estate Agency, Private Estate Management, Rural Land Management, FRICS Registered Valuer.

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    Article posted on 15/02/2022

    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

    Bell Ingram In The Community News

    Bell Ingram cements relationship with farming community with NFU Scotland membership

    Bell Ingram cements relationship with farming community with NFU Scotland membership

    We have shown our commitment to the Scottish farming community through a new membership with NFU Scotland.

    Bell Ingram, which specialises in rural land management, including farm and estate sales, has joined the NFU Scotland network of farmers working towards a bright and sustainable future for Scottish agriculture.

    With our roots in rural estate management, we manage some of UK’s finest agricultural and sporting estates and currently oversee hundreds of thousands of hectares of private and corporate estates across the UK.

    Supporting the Scottish farming community is integral to Bell Ingram’s rural land management work and, with many of our team members from agricultural backgrounds, the NFU Scotland membership only further cements this close relationship.

    The business closely aligns with NFU Scotland’s values and is committed to promoting sustainable Scottish farming alongside the union who are leading the industry on climate change.

    Ross-shire Branch Chair, Alasdair Macnab welcomed the company as professional members when he presented Bell Ingram’s Rob Whitson with the official membership certificate.

    Rob Whitson, Head of Bell Ingram’s Farm and Estates Sales Team and Highland Partner, commented: “There is a real synergy between Bell Ingram and NFUS and we couldn’t be more pleased to have joined as corporate members. By the nature of what we both do, we endeavour to support the farming community in our regions by being embedded at a local level, thereby understanding local pressures and providing tailored support.”

    Alasdair Macnab, Chair of the Ross-shire Branch, said: “It is encouraging that companies like Bell Ingram are recognising the benefits of engaging more closely with the rural community where they operate. NFU Scotland looks forward to working with Bell Ingram in the future where its range of expertise and knowledge can help with our work and providing the best service to members.”

    Johnny Hogg, Group Secretary of the Ross-Shire branch, added: “We are delighted to welcome the whole of the Bell Ingram team to the NFUS. Having worked with Charlotte and Rob in the Beauly office over a number of years, I have seen first-hand the care and attention they have provided to a vast number of our members and it is great that they have chosen to further strengthen their relationship with NFU Scotland by joining as Professional members. We look forward to having them and others join us at branch meetings going forward.”

    Article posted on 01/02/2022

    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

    Bell Ingram In The Community News

    Bell Ingram estate agent’s fundraiser for wife’s typhoon hit village in the Philippines

    Bell Ingram estate agent’s fundraiser for wife’s typhoon hit village in the Philippines

    A long-awaited trip to the Philippines to see his wife’s family has turned into a nightmare for Bell Ingram’s Andrew Fuller.

    The senior associate, who heads up our estate agency team in Oban, and his wife Gerlie began their mammoth journey at the beginning of last week, flying via Hong Kong, before landing in Manila on Sunday.

    Andrew takes up the story: “My wife Gerlie and I finally made it to the Philippines, only to find the last leg of our travel to her small island is prevented due to the huge typhoon that stuck on 16th December. 

    “Gerlie’s small, coastal village was directly in the firing line, and we have had reports that just a couple of houses remain from a total of around 200. This destruction has been replicated over a massive area, wrecking the homes of hundreds of thousands of people and knocking out all communications. Even now we are unable to make contact. Food, water, and shelter are the key priorities. 

    “We take the short flight tomorrow from Manila into Butuan City where we will stock up with essentials. It’s then a three or four hour drive into Surigao City. From there we have to find a boat to the island, a one-hour trip on calm seas. 

    “We had two small boats prior to the typhoon, but have no idea if they even exist anymore. I’ve bought a small pocket wifi so fingers crossed I can get some news out when we get there.”

    Andrew has set up a Just Giving page to try and raise funds to help the most vulnerable in Gurlie’s village.

    He adds: “All being well, we will be heading into the affected zone on 21st December to try and find Gerlie’s family.”

    Here’s the link to Andrew and Gerlie’s JustGiving page if you’d like to contribute:

    https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/help-dinagat?utm_term=wNrPeq3pV

    Article posted on 20/12/2021

    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