Situation
Acregate Forestry is located midway between the market towns of Lanark and Biggar in South Lanarkshire, on the eastern edge of the A70 Edinburgh to Ayr road. This location affords excellent access and transport links with the M74 just 5 miles to the west and the A73 to the east.
Established in 1993, the woodland was designed with commercial timber production in mind. A network of tracks serve the forestry, which has been well maintained since inception. Areas of open ground provides for deer control and offers wonderful sporting potential.
Approximately 114.76 hectares (283.57 acres) remains productive agricultural land, currently let for sheep and cattle grazing. More recently, a silage crop has also been taken from some of the ground.
Directions
From Glasgow head south on the M74 to Junction 11, exit onto the B7078 and continue south parallel with the M74, to the A70 Ayr Road. Follow this north through Rigside to the junction with the B7055. This will give you access to lots 1,2 and 3. To access lots 4 and 5, continue north on the A70 for around 2 miles and at the next junction turn right onto the single-track road heading east to Carmichael and then south to Lochlyoch.
From the A720 City of Edinburgh City Bypass take the A702 south west through Biggar and take the A72 west past Symington to join the A73. Continue on this road for approximately 1.5 miles towards Lanark. At the first junction turn left onto a minor single-track road towards Lochlyoch, which will give access to lots 4 and 5. For lots 1 to 3 continue on the A73 past Carmichael, and south onto the A70 which borders the main forestry.
From the Scottish Borders to the south, take the A72 through Peebles and on to Biggar. Continue west past Symington to join the A73 towards Lanark. After approximately 1.5 miles at the first junction turn left onto a minor single-track road towards Lochlyoch, which will give access to lots 4 and 5. For lots 1 to 3 continue on the A73 past Carmichael, and south onto the A70 which borders the main area of forestry.
Description
The subject property extends to approximately 858.29 hectares (2120.83 acres) in total of which the woodland extends to approximately 743.53 hectares (1837.26 acres), permanent pasture extending to approximately 57.77 hectares (142.75 acres) and rough grass extending to approximately 56.99 hectares (140.82 acres).
The woodlands were one of the first large scale commercial farmland plantings established in the early 1990’s. All areas are easily accessible with a network of tracks serving the forestry. Having been planted on former farmland the woodland is a very productive mix of 52% mixed conifers 30% broadleaves and the remaining 18% is open ground. The woodland was designed to takeadvantage of the grants available at the time. The open ground provides areas of landscaping and for deer control. Some of the broadleaved areas were planted in a mixture with conifer species as a nurse crop, which should produce a significant hardwood resource in the future. The mixed conifer areas, primarily Sitka and Norway spruce, have had an initial thin in part and could do with a further thin in the next few years.
The agricultural ground is a mix of improved and rough grazing which is utilised for livestock production by two neighbouring farmers on a seasonal basis.
There are two agricultural farm buildings which have been absorbed into the woodland, a steel portal framed livestock shed with a concrete slatted floor and a steel portal framed general purpose shed which was formally a silage pit. The general-purpose building may be useful as a base for future forestry operations. Alongside these there is a ruin of a former dwelling.
Forestry
The various different woodlands were established in 1993 under a Farm Woodland Scheme covering a total area of 743.53 hectares (1837.26 acres) of land that was formerly used for agricultural production. The aim of this was to diversify away from agriculture into highly productive mixed woodlands with timber yield, sporting objectives and conservation in mind. This has been achieved, creating exceptional woodlands with 52% under mixed conifer, 30% under mixed broadleaves and the remaining 18% as intimately designed open ground for landscaping and sporting purposes.
This planting mix and the age of the crop now at 25 years old will provide supply to be harvested at its production peak. Survey data shows that a large proportion of the Sitka spruce is performing well and scores highly on the general yield class scale at 20-22.
Farmland
There are three areas of farmland included within the sale extending to approximately 114.76 hectares (283.57 acres), they link with the existing woodlands to give the purchaser the opportunity to create a diverse business or utilise the land for alternative uses such as further planting, recreation and leisure diversification enterprises or continue with livestock rearing.
Buildings
Included with Lot 3 is a livestock building of steel portal frame construction covering approximately 11,500 ft2, previously used as a young stock cattle shed with slatted concrete floor, central feed passage and water troughs. There is also a useful general-purpose shed covering approximately 6,600 ft2 converted from a former silage pit, of steel portal frame construction with concrete floor and shuttered walls. Both buildings are well located and easily accessible from the network of forest tracks. There is also an uninhabitable ruined property on the same site, formerly used as the Shepherd’s cottage. Planning permission had previously been granted, however this has now lapsed. Subject to the necessary consents, this could provide a development opportunity for an attractive property in a desirable and secluded location.
Summary of Lotting
Lot 1 (coloured red on the plan) OFFERS OVER £190,000
Permanent pasture extending to approximately 41.57 hectares (102.72 acres). Lot 1 offers an excellent opportunity to purchase productive farmland ranging from 220m to 270m above sea level and easily accessible from the adjacent A70. The farm buildings adjacent to lots 1 and 3 are in separate ownership and not included in the sale, as shown on the plan.
Lot 2 (coloured yellow on the plan) OFFERS OVER £410,000
Rough grazing extending to approximately 56.99 hectares (140.82 acres) and woodland extending to approximately 57.21 hectares (141.37 acres). Easily accessed from the B7055, lot 2 is a mixture of hardwood species, mainly Ash, Sycamore and Alder alongside spruce and Scots Pine. Continuing south, the area opens onto an area of hill grazing suitable for additional planting
Lot 3 (coloured blue on the plan) OFFERS OVER £2,720,000
Established forestry extending to approximately 575.20 hectares (1421.32 acres) and permanent pasture extending to approximately 16.20 hectares (40.03 acres). Established under the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme in 1993, this well designed and sustainable forest is a mixture of productive spruce, conifer and broadleaves. Areas of open ground have been incorporated for amenity and sporting purposes. The agricultural land is currently let for grazing, and more recently a silage crop has also been taken. Adjacent to parcel 10 is the ruinous former cottage, and agricultural buildings, which provide useful storage space for equipment and machinery. There are a number of secure access points from the surrounding roads and a network of tracks throughout the forest.
Lot 4 (coloured green on the plan) OFFERS OVER £270,000
Woodland extending to approximately 50.26 hectares (124.19 acres), of mixed broadleaves and spruces. Areas of open ground have been included in the design to provide opportunities for stalking and shooting. With roads on two sides, this lot is easily accessible for machinery and lorries.
Lot 5 (coloured orange on the plan) OFFERS OVER £360,000
Attractive woodland extending to approximately 60.86 hectares (150.39 Acres), in a raised position overlooking the Tinto Hills. A mixture of species have been established, with mixed broadleaves and Scots Pine to the east and productive Sitka and Norway spruce making up the remainder.
Independent Survey
Prior to the preparation of these sales particulars an independent survey of the whole property was commissioned by the seller. This was conducted by Forest Direct Ltd in August 2018. Detail of this survey is available upon request and is contained within the dedicated data room.
Sporting, Mineral & Timber
All sporting rights for the various lots are included in the sale insofar as they are owned. With the thoughtful layout of the woodland, areas of open ground and surrounding topography there is the opportunity for exceptional deer stalking. Mineral rights are included in the sale insofar as they are owned by the seller. All standing and fallen timber is included in the sale with the exception of 58 trees that have already been identified to be harvested as display Christmas trees in Nov/Dec 2018.
Existing Rights, Servitudes & Wayleaves
The subjects are sold together with, and subject to, all existing rights of way, servitudes, wayleaves and others whether contained in the Title Deeds or otherwise, and purchasers will be deemed to have satisfied themselves in all respects thereof. There are two high pressure gas mains which pass through Lot 3 running north to south.
Services
The buildings would once have been served by water and electricity, however these services are not currently connected. There is a bore hole water supply to the south east of parcel 7 in Lot 3.
Basic Payment Scheme
The whole property has been registered with Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division and allocated a holding and parcel numbers. It is expected that the occupants of the agricultural land will be claiming Basic Payment Scheme over the eligible land and will hold and own the associated entitlements.
Designations
Lot 4 shares a boundary to the south-east with the Tinto Hills Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area to the north of the B7055 is designated as a Special Landscape Area in the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan.
Access
All 5 lots have very good direct access onto local authority adopted roads, predominantly from either the A70, A73 or B7055 and then onto a well maintained network of private forest roads. There is a right of access over the first part of the private road to the east from the A70 which is owned by a third party along with the buildings and surrounding land at Shields Farm.
Occupation
The property is available with immediate vacant possession with the exception of the agricultural land which is occupied by two neighbouring land owners on a seasonal grazing lease basis for which the current agreements come to an end 31st October 2018.
Closing Date
A closing date for offers may be set, therefore prospective purchasers should formally note their interest with the selling agents.
Date of Entry
The date of entry will be upon conclusion of the sales missives or by prior agreement.
Viewing
Potential purchasers are welcome to view the property, however they should inform Bell Rural Solutions and be in possession of these sales particulars prior to viewing. Appropriate caution should be exercised at all times during inspection. A number of access gates are padlocked, therefore accompanied viewings can be arranged with Bell Rural Solutions only.
Supporting Documentation
A dedicated data room has been created containing additional information including title deeds, grazing leases, forestry survey data, aerial photography and other documents. Access is available from the selling agent, Bell Rural Solutions.
Mortgage Finance
Bell Rural Solutions are approved Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) agents, and can help with obtaining loan funding for a variety of rural business activities, including the purchase of land and property. For further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Solicitor
John Armstrong of Smail & Ewart
79 High Street
Biggar
South Lanarkshire
ML12 6DE
T: 01899 220058
E: enquiry@smail-ewart.co.uk
W: www.smail-ewart.co.uk
Important Notice
Bell Rural Solutions, their clients and any joint agents give notice that:
1. They are not authorised to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property either here or elsewhere, either on their behalf or on behalf of their client or otherwise. They assume no responsibility for any statement that may be made in these particulars. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact.
2. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents and Bell Rural Solutions have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise.
3. No responsibility can be accepted for any expenses incurred by potential purchasers when inspecting properties which have been sold, let or withdrawn.
4. Offers should be submitted in Scottish legal form to the sole selling agents, Bell Rural Solutions. Our client is not bound to accept the highest or any offer. The seller has the right to remove the property from the market or accept an offer at any time.
5. Potential purchasers should take care when viewing the property, particularly with the potential hazards associated with Forestry.