Bell Ingram announces new Managing Partner Mark Mitchell

Bell Ingram – one of the UK’s largest independent firms of Chartered Surveyors – has announced that Mark Mitchell will become its new Managing Partner on 1st April 2019. Graham Lumby will continue to represent the firm as Chairman.

The Rural Land and Property experts have professionals spanning a range of services, from forestry and mapping to architecture and farm sales. The firm has a rich heritage and will celebrate its 120th year in November.

Mark joined the firm as a trainee in 1993 and has subsequently fulfilled various senior management roles, latterly as Partner in charge of Estate Agency and Health and Safety. A Rural Leader and current Vice Chair of the Perthshire Agricultural Society, Mark is a stalwart of the local community with an unwavering commitment to the sector.

Commenting on his new role, Mark said: “The future is bright for Bell Ingram. The change in leadership signals a new direction for the firm; with ambitious plans for growth underway for the next five years spelling exciting times ahead for the business.

“The current economic and regulatory environments continue to present land-based businesses with opportunities and challenges in areas on which Bell Ingram is ideally placed to advise.

“I look forward to the challenges of being Managing Partner, working with my colleagues to continue to deliver the outstanding service that sets us apart, while providing an environment where our people can flourish.

“Graham’s tenure has been very impressive, and I am delighted that he will continue to contribute to the implementation of our strategy and our future growth. Thanks to his leadership, the firm is in an excellent position. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to build on this success and see us go from strength to strength.”

Bell Ingram revolutionises woodland mapping techniques

Bell Ingram is shaking up traditional woodland mapping techniques with its ground-breaking new Cloud-based system which marks a significant change to the way the company works.

In a presentation which was widely shared on Twitter (#AGIScot19), Bell Ingram’s Head of Mapping Chris Duncan gave the sector an exclusive preview of the Forestry Cloud at the recent AGI Conference in Stirling.

The system, which rolled out to Bell Ingram’s Forestry team this month, allows access from virtually anywhere and on any device to view the company’s forest management records at the click of a button.

Additionally, the team is moving forward with a paperless approach to site work with rugged tablets, offline working and shortly will record all H&S, work instructions and site inspections electronically without the need to take paper records.

Chris Duncan explained: “Bell Ingram has used geographic information system (GIS) and digital mapping for Forestry for many years. Several years ago, it became abundantly clear that storing individual datasets for each property was not a sensible approach as we manage many forests from multiple offices across Scotland. We required a more integrated approach and the solution we have developed is a Cloud-based geodatabase built on the open-source software PostgresSQL and QGIS.”

Bell Ingram’s system allows all its foresters to have secure access to the company’s forest database for any office or any other internet-connected location. The company is also able to publish information online, via a secure service, allowing its clients to access their own forest records.

2019 re-writes the property rulebook says Carl Warden

The Perth and Kinross property market enjoyed a record-breaking start to 2019 despite uncertainty over Brexit.

It was inevitable that the fall-out from the mini budget and its controversial tax cuts would manifest itself in the housing and mortgage markets because the cost and availability of credit is a significant driver of the market.

Therefore, it comes as no big surprise to see mortgage lenders suspend many rates and deals as they gather their breath before attempting to reprice the market.

It goes without saying that any big jump in the mortgage rate is a major concern for those who are buying houses at the moment. But, if you like the house, you can afford it and are confident you can continue to afford it, then there is no reason not to go ahead with your purchase.

What is fairly certain is that we can wave goodbye to the historically low interest rates that we have grown used to and brace ourselves for a return to the higher levels we last saw in 2012.

There’s also been much speculation that we could be facing a housing market crash. But while prices could fall over the longer term, there is no evidence that they will collapse like they did during the global financial crisis of 2007/8. The market in Scotland is still functioning well despite the uncertainty.  I am seeing a small number of buyers pulling out of deals as we wait for this immediate uncertainty to pass, but I don’t see this continuing and especially so at the top end of the market.

From a Scottish perspective, it will be interesting to see if the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes MSP, replicates Kwasi Kwarteng’s Stamp Duty cuts for the Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) bands in Scotland.

On September 23, the UK Government announced a permanent cut to stamp duty in a bid to boost economic growth. The announcement means that in England no stamp duty will be paid on the first £250,000 of any property, up from £125,000 previously.

For first-time buyers in England the threshold is now £425,000, up from £300,000. The maximum value of a property on which first-time buyers’ relief can be claimed will also rise from £500,000 to £625,000.

While first-time buyers in Scotland do not pay LBTT on property purchases up to £175,000, a 2% LBTT rate is paid on property valued between £145,001 and £250,000.

It would be a big worry for the property sector should the Scottish Government not bring us more into line with the rest of the UK.  A reduction in LBTT would go a long way to giving the Scottish housing market a boost, particularly for the lower bands, as we navigate this period of economic uncertainty.

For advice on your house move, or for a free market appraisal contact Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 22/03/2019

New partnership appointment strengthens rural property agency

Property expert Carl Warden has been appointed Partner in charge of Agency for Bell Ingram.

A specialist in rural property with over 30 years’ experience Carl has a strong reputation in the Perthshire area.

His appointment in 2016 was a coup for the company and the promotion demonstrates the firms long term commitment to driving rural property sales.

“Since joining Bell Ingram in 2016 our agency team has gone from strength to strength increasing sales by 53% in a tough market,” explains Carl.

“Bell Ingram has a rich heritage in rural property with a portfolio of some of the best properties in Scotland.  A combination of traditional and online marketing with placement in key publications ensures we reach the right buyers.

“Relationships are incredibly important.  Properties are a significant asset and buying or selling is often very personal experience.  Our team have the best interests of the clients at heart.  We give honest advice based on individual circumstances and using our extensive knowledge of the market.” 

The property landscape in Scotland is becoming increasingly complex with the change to Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) (rising to 4% in Scotland on 25^th January) and uncertainty around Brexit.  

Carl adds: “With increased costs and complex regulation, it is imperative that clients experience the best quality of service and support.  This is a service you simply will not get from fixed fee online agents.”

Graham Lumby, Managing Partner for Bell Ingram, said of the appointment: “Carl is a safe accomplished pair of hands with a wealth of professional experience in rural property.  There is no one better to steer our agency business or to navigate the turbulent property market on behalf of our clients.”

Scottish Sporting Rates: Appeals deadline and final payment notices

The last opportunity to appeal for those who received notification of liability for non-domestic rates on sporting rights is fast approaching.

The deadline is six months from the date of notification letter issued by the local Assessors Office and as most notices were sent out in September or early October, the deadline will be the end of March or early April – so do check your paperwork.

Sarah Tyson, partner in the Perth Office of Bell Ingram, said “There will be many instances where an Appeal is justified – from basic errors such as incorrect information being used to situations where sporting rights cannot realistically be exercised.

“The liability for rates continues at the original assessed level until an Appeal is resolved, although of course there is currently the chance to claim Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS) relief each year and remove or reduce liability, depending upon circumstances.

“The relief must be claimed through your local Council against the demand for rates which is issued each year.”

Those who have received final demand notices from their Council in the last few weeks should ensure they take action now to avoid further pursuit for the 2017/18 rates debt. New Notices for 2018/19 will soon begin to be issued and any relief due will need to be claimed again.

If you need assistance with sporting rates in Scotland, please contact Sarah Tyson on 01738 621 121.

Boundary disputes are a thing of the past thanks to mapping experts

Boundary disputes range from arguments about a few centimetres to a acres of ground, with each one throwing up a range of emotional and financial stresses.

Bell Ingram’s new Trimble Catalyst Global Navigation Satellite System is accurate to within 1-2 cm which removes any arguments about potential surveying misinterpretations.

Chris Duncan, Head of Mapping and GIS at Bell Ingram, said: “Each boundary dispute offers different perspectives, challenges and emotions.

“Our new Trimble Satellite positioning equipment is ultra-accurate and this technology, coupled with our team’s expert knowledge, allows us to identify correct boundary locations even when physical features don’t exist on the ground.

“It’s crucial when you’re locked in a boundary disagreement that you have a team of trusted experts on your side. Thanks to this new technology, we’re able to focus on the core issues behind the dispute, rather than just opinions about where one area of land ends and another begins.

“This means we can provide expert witness reports, with an increased degree of confidence, when working with legal professionals to ensure we get the very best results possible for our clients.”

Bell Ingram’s expert mapping professionals are able to interpret title plans and the underlying mapping data from which they are based and then using the Trimble technology, identify these features on the ground.

The firm’s industry-leading software enables it to make the best use of internet data as well as perform direct data exchanges with other organisations on behalf of clients.

Chris added: “Our team has a wealth of experience in rural matters and all things mapping.

“The advanced Geographical Information Systems we use mean that clients can be assured that the service we provide will be highly accurate and efficient.

“We use it alongside cloud-based technology which allows us to work with clients remotely and free them up to go about their other daily business.”

Head quartered in Perth, Bell Ingram manages over 500,000 hectares across the UK on behalf of public, private and corporate clients.

It specialises in rural land management for private clients and has built a name as one of the UK’s leading providers of land management services for the energy sector.

To find out more, visit: https://bellingram.co.uk/

Public consultation announced for Killearn beauty spot Finnich Glen

Architects, planners and the local farmer will meet with members of the public today to discuss plans to create a tourist hub at one of Scotland’s most popular beauty spots.

Bell Ingram’s plans for Finnich Glen in Stirlingshire will see the creation of a 150-space car park with room for five coaches as well as a visitor centre and shop.

The proposals would make surrounding roads safer by removing the need to abandon cars on country roads while new a new viewing platform would ensure visitors can sample the stunning outlook in safety.

New barriers footpaths and bridges will make visiting the site safer and reduce environmental damage while improving the overall experience.

Finnich Glen’s popularity has soared following its use as a filming location for a number of features including Taggart, King Arthur and most recently Outlander, with over 70,000 visitors a year flocking to the area to see where some of the famous scenes were shot.

The Perth-headquartered firm is now keen to understand the views and opinions of the local community and key stakeholders early in the design process.

Iain Cram, Director of Bell Ingram Design, said: “It’s a truly stunning site of natural beauty and since its use in Outlander, visitor numbers have sky-rocketed, with people travelling from across America and Europe.

“We believe our plans will make the area much safer while improving the site logistically.

“The road as it is can’t cope, with people parking up nearby on country lanes which brings with it a raft of safety issues. Neighbouring fields are being ruined with people using wire cutters to gain access through fences.

“Mountain rescue has also seen a spike in the number of call-outs as people get stuck in the Glen. It’s only a matter of time before there’s a serious accident.

“We are really looking forward to engaging with locals and key stakeholders to help shape our work at this exciting site.”

The public event follows the submission of a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) in which Bell Ingram notified Stirling Council’s planning department of its proposals.

The consultation event takes place at Kilearn Church Hall on 28 September between 3pm and 8pm.

The local farmer David Young, who has worked the land his whole life, said: “We are concerned about the safety of the local community and visitors to Finnich Glen along with the deterioration of this world-renowned site of natural beauty.

“We have a responsibility to ensure the land can be kept in good condition so that people can enjoy it for many years to come while also ensuring they can do so in safety.

“We are confident that Bell Ingram’s plans will achieve this and are excited about the potential benefits for tourism and employment in our local area.”

The proposals would see the creation of a number of jobs in the area at the new visitor centre and shop.

Stirling Council Roads Officials and local Councillors are keen to alleviate road safety issues in the area.

Luxury waterfront apartments for sale in converted mansion on the shores of the Sound of Kerrera from £137,000

House hunters seeking a luxury apartment on a picturesque waterfront are being given the unique opportunity to live in a converted mansion at a less than stately price.

Built in 1888, Kilbowie House is a classic Scottish Baronial L-plan country residence situated on the shores of the Sound of Kerrera which was originally constructed as a private residence for the Dunn Pattison family.

Now, the Grade B listed, red sandstone property has been sensitively converted into eight luxury apartments which aim to restore the magnificent building to its former glory by providing generous and modern living spaces.

All eight apartments have been designed to reflect the grand scale of the existing rooms and have their own unique charm and character thanks to the conservation of many original features, including stone fireplaces, oak window shutters and doors, cornices and ceiling mouldings.

The mansion sits within its own sizeable 0.6 acre grounds with private and residential communal gardens and provides direct access to an impressive 93m of shore frontage.

Located just 1.5 miles from the idyllic coastal town of Oban, the one and two bedroom apartments are now on the market with Perth based land and estate agents Bell Ingram, with prices ranging from £137,000 to £247,000.

Carl Warden, from Bell Ingram’s Perth office, said: “It’s not every day that the chance arises for house hunters to have their own slice of a converted mansion house, without the high monthly cost.

“These luxury apartments have been designed to maximise on generous and flexible living space, so would be ideal couples looking for a beautiful home with distinctive features, retirement apartments with lift access to all floors, or a turn-key holiday home.

“Kilbowie House also has a unique selling point in that it has a rural feel as it’s surrounded by rugged landscape and provides a stunning waterfront outlook, but is also very close to Oban which benefits from good schooling and plenty of leisure activities, including a sailing club and golf course.

“What’s more, the location provides the best of both worlds, offering a private and a peaceful setting while also providing easy access to travel links, with daily train and bus services to Edinburgh and Glasgow.”

Oban is a busy town with a thriving local population as well as being a popular tourist destination due to its breathtaking scenery and excellent sailing waters. The natural harbour in the Firth of Lorn boasts a wide range of facilities and amenities including charming boutiques, restaurants, cafés and bars.

Viewings are strictly by appointment only and can be arranged through Bell Ingram’s Perth office on 01738 621121.

Article posted on 25/08/2017