Scottish estates in demand
Traditional Scottish sporting estates has a 'relatively quiet but successful 2009' says CKD Galbraith and the firm currently has a number of buyers throughout the UK actively seeking Scottish estates. While the market for large residential houses in Scotland has been affected by the economic downturn, Scottish estates have generally held up well.An estate is often made up of many components which bolster the long-term value of the property. Houses and cottages are supplemented by income from renewable energy projects such as wind farms and hydro power schemes, if that route is exploited. Added to which, farms and forestry are two asset classes which have not suffered falls in values during this recession.
John Bound, partner at CKD Galbraith, says: 'Despite all the predictions of gloom and doom the reality in our experience is that there are still people very interested in buying traditional Scottish sporting estates.
'Of course, the market has been more fragile of late than in recent years. There have been fewer buyers in general but it is the case that there is still competition for good traditional sporting estates and it is the sport that we believe is underpinning in the interest. Also, the long-term investment potential is attractive.
'Many highland sporting estates enjoyed by far their best grouse shooting for very many years last year and you only have to look at the publicity the start of the salmon fishing season generated to recognise the level of interest that exists in country sports.'
The time and effort invested into the management of grouse and the good weather weather worked in favour of grouse according to Robert Rattray, partner at CKD Galbraith responsible for sporting lets. The Monadliaths in particular witnessed a strong resurgence, with a number of moors shooting record bags in excess of 1000 brace.
Estates sold in 2009
Langwell Estate, Wester Ross, a first class west coast deer forest and sporting estate, totalling some 17,000 acres, with a lodge and four cottages, an average cull of 23 stags and 35 hinds, salmon fishing on the river Canaird and the Rappach water, trout fishing in some 40 hill lochs and a few grouse.
Corrybrough Estate, Tomatin, a renowned Highland grouse moor, extending to some 3800 acres, with a lovely 10 bedroom lodge three cottages, salmon fishing on the river Findhorn and a five year average of some 193 brace of grouse, together with a challenging lowground shoot.
The recent sale of Camusrory on the Knoydart Peninsula proved an interesting landmark transaction in the Scottish rural property market. Camusrory is a traditional stalking property of some 8,000 acres with a modern traditionally styled lodge, three further residences and useful outbuildings. The sport includes stalking, fishing and ownership of the entire River Carnach system and occasional woodcock. The vendors wished to retain a 50% interest in the property and a like minded purchaser was identified.
Lochindorb Estate, a fantastic and very productive grouse moor, near Grantown-on-Spey. Extending to just over 9,000 acres, Lochindorb has produced consistently good bags, with a five year average of 916 brace, and a bag last season of around 1200 brace, with 165 brace on the best day. The estate includes a traditional nine bedroom lodge in a magical, lochside setting, three cottages, a number of trout lochs, together with some enjoyable rough shooting.
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