1,841 glorious acres of pristine Scottish forest have come up for sale
With timber and forestry enjoying a boom, a rare opportunity has arisen in the Scottish Borders. Carla Passino takes a look.


'In my 28 years in the industry, I cannot recall a time when there has been so much demand for forestry and woodland.' So says Jon Lambert of Goldcrest Land & Forestry Group, who are currently marketing a huge new forest for sale in Scotland called Ramsaygrain East Forests.
'The market continues to perform extremely well, with emand far outstripping supply and a seemingly insatiable appetite for timber.'
Buying forest has long been popular for all sorts of reasons: some emotional, some commercial, some to do with the various (if rather complicated) tax benefits that are attached to woodland. So those looking for an investment will likely be interested in this large tract of prime commercial forestry in the Scottish Borders which has just come to the market. The Ramsaygrain East Forests extend to 1,841 acres, for which Goldcrest Land & Forestry Group is seeking offers over £14 million.
Situated 12 miles from Hawick, these conifer forests, which are part of the Teviothead Forest Complex, comprise 92% Sitka spruce with some native broadleaves to boost biodiversity and add diversity to the landscape. The Sitka spruce are a mix of age classes, thus providing a regular income.
‘We are delighted to bring these outstanding forests, which include second rotation crops planted with improved seed stock, to the market,’ says Lambert.
'The results speak for themselves with exceptional growth rates and superb yields. They occupy a prime forestry location, benefitting from an excellent internal forest road network and access to major timber processors via agreed timber transport routes. From the road network to the youngest crops, The Ramsaygrain East Forests are of a very high calibre. I can’t think of a comparable forest in terms of age and quality.’
Goldcrest say they are 'expecting significant interest’ for what ‘a premier division property’. The Ramsaygrain East Forests are available as a whole or in three lots: the 369-acre Commonbrae, for offers over £2.5 million; 602-acre Ramsaygrain East, offers over £4.5 million; and 870-acre Rashiegrain, with offers sought over £7 million.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Credit: Savills
A charming former manse house in a vibrant Aberdeenshire village
Carpe Diem House brings together the best of modern living, period details and a private, verdant setting at the centre
Carla must be the only Italian that finds the English weather more congenial than her native country’s sunshine. An antique herself, she became Country Life’s Arts & Antiques editor in 2023 having previously covered, as a freelance journalist, heritage, conservation, history and property stories, for which she won a couple of awards. Her musical taste has never evolved past Puccini and she spends most of her time immersed in any century before the 20th.
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country Life
Our regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Rare species: Meet the young gardeners destined for greatness
Sam Finch is the youngest head gardener at the National Trust.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country Life
Our regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul Getty
Chestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castle
From hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
By Toby Keel Published
-
How to buy a house at auction
Buying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same time
The houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in Britain
Bressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interview
After many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can see
Mellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
By Lotte Brundle Published