GLENCRIPESDALE ESTATE L O C H S U N A R T A R G Y L L

Transcription

1 GLENCRIPESDALE ESTATE L O C H S U N A R T A R G Y L L

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3 GLENCRIPESDALE ESTATE L O C H S U N A R T A R G Y L L Strontian 15 miles, Fort William 2 miles, aline 25 miles A beautiful and secluded coastal forestry and sporting Estate situated on the shores of Sunart in one of the least explored areas of Scotland. Access via the sea loch providing some of the best sailing in Western Europe and the opportunity to explore the inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Eigg and Rum. A diverse Estate comprising native and commercial woodland, with substantial reserves of timber, stalking and fishing for salmon and sea trout. Detailed Planning Permission for a substantial lodge and caretakers cottage. Approximately 4,579 acres (1,854 hectares). Joint Selling Agents: John Clegg & Co CHARTERED SURVEYORS 2 Gibraltar Street, Oban, PA4 4AY Tel Fax oban@bellingram.co.uk 2 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2AS Tel Fax enquiries@ johnclegg.co.uk Solicitors: Gillespie MacAndrew, 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh, EH 8EJ. Tel Fax robert.scott-dempster@gillespiemacandrew.co.uk

4 Historical Background Glencripesdale Estate originally formed part of the medieval kingdom of the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, up to the time of their forfeiture by the Crown in 149 when it and other lands in Morvern were granted to the MacLeans of Duart who in turn were ousted in 1674 by the expanding Campbells of Argyll. The profligate sixth Duke of Argyll was forced to place the whole of his Morvern property on to the market in The Estate was then sold to Donald Stewart in 1821, however, no records of his stewardship exist. The Estate was sold by the Stewarts in 1871 to the Newton Brothers who inherited a quite absurdly large fortune from their father a prosperous Birmingham industrialist. The Newtons significantly enlarged Glencripesdale with the subsequent acquisition of Laudale and Liddesdale Estates as well as adding the Island of Carna. In approximately 187 the brothers commenced the building of Glencripesdale House a three storey, rough cast and slated mansion which contained five public rooms 20 bedrooms and an observation tower. The house could be approached from the Glen by the ornamental stone bridge over the Glencripesdale river and up the main drive or via a path from the stone jetty on the shores of Sunart; both winding through luxuriant plantations, native woodlands and lawns. 4

5 The Estate was a thriving entity and used by the Newtons for holidays and entertaining their guests. During the height of the season there were as many as 100 or so people living in Glencripesdale assisting with the stalking, fishing and shooting. There was a shop and a school: church services were taken every Sunday in the billiard room of Glencripesdale House by the Reverend Horace Newton. There were even annual games held on the lawn to the front of the Mansion House and regular dances in the big barn beside the farmhouse. National events were celebrated such as Queen Victoria s 1887 Golden Jubilee when an enormous bonfire was lit on Jubilee Hill above Tom na Inbhire. The Estate at that time was an all round Highland Estate with a diverse range of activities, with a farm and significant woodland. The Glencripesdale Estate woods have been a feature of the area for a very long time and figure prominently in Argyll Estate Papers. One of the earliest references is in a letter from the Duke to his factor dated 175 instructing him to sell a parcel of car (cart) poles of birch and elder upon my lands of Glencripisdell and Camisaloch fit for cutting down. In fact, in 1904 the sales particulars produced by Edwin Fox of London described them as a great feature of this unique demesne, they have not been touched for 0 years. The mainland for many miles along the windings and indentations of the south shore of the beautiful Sunart, and in a south and south easterly direction, the banks of the picturesque and sheltered inlet of Teacuis are alike adorned by fine natural copses of oak, birch and other indigenous trees. The woodland provided excellent shelter for game and stock. According to the Highland Cattle Society Records the herd of Highland Cattle which the Newtons established at Glencripesdale in 1872 was one of the oldest in Scotland and survived without a break until its dispersal in A valuation carried out in 1919 put the stock of sheep at Glencripesdale at 1,054 with 1 Highland heifers and one horse. Grouse were common and in 1914 an average of 450 brace of grouse were killed each season and it was quite common to bag 5 to 40 brace in one days shooting over dogs. Estate game books have not survived, however, records show deer to have been plentiful and heavy on Glencripesdale Estate. The Deer and Deer Forests of Scotland 192 mentions an annual cull of 45 stags with weights of up to 21 stone. Peter Spicer & Sons of Leamington, the well-known taxidermists, in the annual printed Records mention several outstanding stags which they dealt with from Glencripesdale including three royals and a seventeen pointer shot by the Reverend Horace Newton in In 191 a stalking tenant killed 40 stags whose average weight was 16 stone and a best weight of 20½ stone. The house and estate were requisitioned by the military in 1944 and badly vandalised in common with many great houses. The Newton s sold the estate in 1948 to a gentleman by the name of Epps who removed the mansion house roof and left it abandoned. The estate was subsequently purchased by the Forestry Commission who engaged the army to blow up the house, which took two attempts. The Forestry Commission having planted the estate sold off Glencripesdale Farmhouse and garden and then sold the remaining estate as now offered for sale. 5

6 Background Glencripesdale Estate was bought by the Forestry Commission in 1955 and planted as a commercial forestry plantation. The current owners of the Estate purchased it in Their vision for the Estate was the restoration and improvement of the whole of the Glencripesdale Estate to a sustainable mixed use, living and working Highland Estate managed on traditional extensive principles that contribute to the improvement of the scenic attractiveness and natural and cultural heritage of Sunart. A detailed master plan for the Estate has been drawn up which is available on request. The initial stages of the master plan have been implemented which has seen significant areas of non-native timber removed and replaced with native broad leaves as well as the establishment of very attractive woodland pasture areas. The Estate can be accessed either by road or sea and planning permission has been obtained for the upgrading and improvement of the existing sea access. In addition, detailed planning consent has been obtained for the construction of a substantial Estate Lodge as well as a caretakers residence. Both of which occupy superb secluded sites with views over Sunart. Glencripesdale Estate is an almost unique opportunity for a purchaser to create a sustainable Highland Estate in a most secluded and stunning coastal location. 6

7 Location The Estate is situated on the little explored Morvern peninsula within the County of Argyll. Access to Glencripesdale is taken via the public road to Laudale and thereafter via a private road which hugs the coast to Glencripesdale. It is a most secluded location with Sunart as a wonderfully attractive backdrop. It is a magical situation and stalking, shooting, fishing, boating and walking and outdoor activities can be enjoyed on the Estate. The nearest settlements are either that of Strontian or Salen on the northern shores of Sunart. There is an excellent hotel at Salen and the village of Strontian has a general store, primary and secondary school as well as other local facilities. Due to the coastal location of the Estate basic provisions can be purchased from Tobermory on the Island of Mull via boat which can be easily reached from Glencripesdale pier. The main local centre is that of Fort William approximately 2 miles to the north east via the Corran Ferry. Fort William benefits from a range of shops, supermarkets and other local services. The town is the terminus for the Caledonian Sleeper Service from London Euston allowing comfortable overnight travel from the south. There is a private airfield at North Connel approximately 0 miles to the south which has facilities for private aircraft as well as a sea plane service to Oban. Due to the nature of the Estate, helicopter travel from Glasgow is possible in approximately 90 minutes. 7

8 Description The Estate extends to approximately 4,579 acres (1,854 hectares) with approximately 2 miles of sea loch frontage and runs for approximately miles in land from the shores of Sunart. The shore line which is a Special Area of Conservation is characterised by a mixture of rocky shore and sand, particularly around the mouth of the Glencripesdale River. The land around the shore is a mixture of low hill and former in-bye ground which leads in land to a most secluded and beautiful glen bisected by the meandering Glencripesdale River with gently rising hills to the south, north and east all within ownership of the estate. The Estate has an excellent road infrastructure which allows vehicular access to most of the Estate including the beautiful and picturesque Duncan s loch which is home to wild brown trout. The Estate has seen significant regeneration in recent years with the removal of large areas of high yielding sitka spruce. These areas have been replaced with a mixture of native broadleaves and open woodland pasture which allows the full beauty of the glen to be appreciated. A planning consent is in place for the erection of farm buildings and the master plan envisages the reintroduction of cattle to the glen which will further enhance the biodiversity of the area. In addition, the Estate has always been seen as one of the preeminent stalking Estates on Morvern, consistently producing high quality heavy stags. The implementation of the master plan will further improve the stalking both in terms of quality and enjoyment. The Glencripesdale River which is entirely owned by the estate is a spate river with some excellent pools capable of holding both salmon and sea trout although the fishings have not been exploited in recent years. In keeping with the philosophy of an integrated and living Highland Estate a significant area of commercial woodland has been retained to ensure a continued income stream for the future. The Estate has planning consent for the erection of a Lodge as well as a caretakers house, both strategically situated to ensure privacy and amenity as well as capitalising on the outstanding views over Sunart. 8

9 Master Plan A detailed master plan for the Estate was finalised in 2008 and interested parties should contact the joint selling agents for a copy of the plan. The master plan sets out in considerable detail the vision for the Estate and how it is to be implemented. The document will provide a purchaser with a detailed guide to the implementation of the proposals and enable them to create an Estate in their image without the strictures of the past. Estate House Site 9

10 Forestry In accordance with the master plan the Estate has implemented an imaginative and far sighted Long Term Forest Plan which was agreed in 2005 and sees the phased removal of a significant proportion of commercial conifers which can be shipped directly to market by sea. The forest area at Glencripesdale has been conscientiously managed for many years. Over the years forestry philosophy and objectives have changed considerably, but the concentration of management effort in this area reflects Glencripesdales capacity to meet multiple forestry objectives. With fertile soils across much of the lower glen, a maritime climate and shelter from prevailing winds, there is proven scope at Glencripesdale for highly productive commercial forestry or vigorous native woodland, and of course every option in between. The LTFP initiated a process for restoring large areas of commercial conifers to native broadleaves, and good progress has been made to achieve this objective over the last 6 years, with approximately 18 hectares felled and 89 hectares stocked with native broadleaves. In terms of commercial timber the forest area has the capacity to provide a sustained income stream over the next 0 years. It is estimated that there is around 25 hectares of timber of harvestable age that could be felled in the period 2011 to 2020 subject to the outcome of the plan revision in 2015/16 during which time a new owner will have the opportunity to adjust the plan to suit their own objectives. This includes areas designated under the LTFP for selective felling; timber yields are likely to be in the region of 65,000 tonnes, with 2/rds of the harvestable area estimated as being of good quality. Commercial plantings from the mid 1980 s total around 20 hectares and it is anticipated that this will yield around 40,000 tonnes during 2021 to 200. There are a further 90 hectares of productive conifers that were planted in 1998/99 which is expected to be harvested in the period 201 to Positive changes in relation to market demand for biofuels may increase the volumes of recoverable crop indicated above. The large volumes of high quality timber harvested to date have been shipped to market via the existing road network and pier located on site. The access infrastructure has been developed to achieve a workable solution to timber harvesting in remote locations and has been proven to be very effective. This facility widens the range of management options available to any purchaser and provides the added benefit of good access for general estate purposes. With an approved LTFP in operation, the forest is well placed to potentially source a range of supporting grants from the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) for future management including replanting, deer management or more sensitive woodland management systems. The Sunart SSSI/SAC runs along the shoreline and the woodland adjacent to this was prioritised for early conversion from commercial conifer to native woodland. SRDP management grants for designated sites may be available for future management of these areas. The woodlands at Glencripesdale support a range of iconic species including Otter, Wildcat and Pine Martin, with Golden Eagles frequently seen along the upper margins. Given that most of the glen from shoreline to mountain top is included within the property this gives great control in terms of future management or habitat restoration on a landscape scale. In particular the restoration of the woodland from the shore to the treeline offers scope to maximise the sites biodiversity potential. While the forestry objectives require active deer control, the diverse forest area provides an ideal environment for stalking using a range of methods. The woodland habitat also has a positive impact on trophy quality and deer weights. As part of the LTFP, agreement was reached with the Forestry Commission on converting areas of woodland to open woodland pasture with potential benefits to both productive diversification and the ecology of the site. Glencripesdale forest offers unparalleled opportunities for the continuation of imaginative landscape scale management. Robin Dixon, the estates forestry consultant would be happy to discuss the forestry proposals in detail. 10

11 Sportings Glencripesdale has always been considered to be one of the best stalking Estates in Morvern due to its topography and its ability to hold deer. It is rumoured that at one point Glencripesdale had the highest population of deer in Scotland, however, in recent years the deer have been well managed and now the Estate presents an exciting opportunity to further enhance the significant sporting potential. The Estate has, in recent years, leased the high ground stalking to the neighbouring Laudale Estate and retained the remaining lower ground. Laudale have been diligent custodians of the stalking and have been excellent neighbours providing help and assistance. They have intimated their willingness to continue to lease the stalking in the future and further details may be obtained from the joint selling agents. The Estate overall has produced the following returns over the last 5 years. GLENCRIPESDALE DEER CULL Stags Hinds Roe Average Stags Hinds 21 Roe 4 11

12 Fishing The Estate enjoys exclusive fishings on the Glencripesdale River system, Duncan s loch as well as enjoyable sea fishing in Sunart. The Glencripesdale River, which has not been fished in recent years, has regular runs of salmon and sea trout. The records from the 1920 s mention the excellent fishing in the Glencripesdale River and record yearly catches of forty to seventy sea trout and several salmon. Johnny Anderson described the fishing in the first half of the 1900 s as fairly good with annual baskets of two hundred sea trout and eight to ten salmon mostly taken on the worm. 12

13 Duncan s loch which can be accessed via ATV track lies to the north east of the Estate and is a most peaceful and tranquil loch which has a good stock of wild brown trout. Sunart and the inner Hebrideas can provide excellent angling for various species particularly mackerel in the summer. Cockles, clams and razor fish can be picked from the estuary at the mouth of the Glencripesdale River. Planning Detailed planning consent was granted in accordance with the master plan in Sea Access The estate enjoys approximately 2 miles of shoreline onto Sunart which opens onto the Sound of Mull. A substantial pier has been built and a detailed planning consent is in place for its upgrading for which a full specification and quotations are available. The upgraded pier will allow the future export of timber. In addition there are the remains of a Victorian drydock and pier, which could with the necessary consents be repaired. The planning consents comprise consent for the erection of an Estate Lodge on the site of the previous mansion house, a caretaker s house at the entrance to the Glen with consent nearby for agricultural buildings. The detailed planning consent for the Lodge envisages a substantial modern house with vernacular influences, taking full advantage of the sea and glen views. The house has been designed to maximise flexibility and can be used either as a large family home or as a traditional lodge capable of accommodating stalking guests. Whilst the consent has been granted in detail, it may be possible in consultation with the planning department to amend the design. The caretaker s house has been strategically located on an elevated site to maximise views of the sea. In addition its location close to the principal estate access road and overlooking the pier ensures optimum security. In addition, consent was granted for refurbishment and improvement of the existing pier which will make it suitable for most vessels. A full detailed and specified quotation for the works to the pier is available upon application to the joint selling agents. The planning consents are subject to a Section 75 agreement which binds the new dwelling houses to the Estate and prohibits the sale of the Estate except as a whole. A copy of the Section 75 Agreement and planning permission is available from the joint selling agents. 1

14 GENERAL REMARKS AND INFORMATION VIEWING Strictly by appointment with the joint selling agents. The Estate is extremely remote and care should be taken. Mobile telephone signal is not always available. DIRECTIONS From Glasgow airport take the M8 west. Then take junction 0 over the Erskine bridge. Bear left on the Erskine bridge taking the A82 north to Crainlarich. Continue on the A82 towards Fort William through Glen Coe. Turn left and take the Corran Ferry to Ardgour. From Ardgour follow the A861 towards Strontian. After approximately 12 miles turn left on to the A884 to Allan. After approximately 5 miles turn right to Laudale and follow the public road for approximately 2 miles. The road now becomes private and passes through Laudale Estate and caution should be exercised at all times. Follow the private road for approximately 9 miles along the shores of Sunart until you arrive at Glencripesdale. PLANNING PERMISSION The Estate is sold with the benefit of all planning consents and plans as well as the rights to the master plan document. A full costed specification and tender for the up grading of the pier will be made available. SERVITUDE RIGHTS, BURDENS, WAYLEAVES AND STATUTORY PUBLIC AND OTHER ACCESS RIGHTS A public footpath passes through the Estate from Rahoy to Laudale. The owner of Glencripesdale Farmhouse has a right of access over the main access road within Glencripesdale Estate to the farmhouse and is liable for the maintenance, upkeep and repair according to use. In addition the owner of the Farmhouse has the right to install a hydro electric generator and all necessary generators apparatus in the Glencripesdale burn. Full details of all third party rights may be obtained from Gillespie MacAndrew. The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all existing servitude and wayleave rights including rights of access and rights of way whether public or private. The property is also sold subject to the rights of public access under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 200. SERVICES The Estate has no specific services although several springs and water courses have been identified which should be capable of providing a water supply for domestic and agricultural purposes. Drainage for the new houses will be by means of a septic tank or similar. There is no mains electricity at Glencripesdale although mains electricity can be found at Rahoy approximately 2 miles to the south west. The houses as designed were intended to be provided with electricity via a generator or via renewable sources. The Estate is responsible for a payment of the share of the private access road calculated according to user. EMPLOYEES There are no full time employees on the Estate. A contract game keeper has been employed and we understand that he would be prepared to continue in that role. IACS AND SINGLE FARM PAYMENT The Estate is registered for IACS purposes under farm code number 19/0046. There is no entitlement to Single Farm Payment or Less Favoured Area payments. EQUIPMENT An inventory of equipment is available by application to the joint selling agents and is available by separate negotiation. SPORTING RIGHTS The sporting rights are currently let to Laudale Estate. The agreement expires on 20th October 2011 and a copy of the agreement is available from the joint selling agents. MINERAL RIGHTS AND TIMBER In so far as they are owned, the mineral rights are included in the sale. All standing and fallen timber will be included in the sale. FORESTRY GRANTS The Estate is sold subject to the Forestry Grant Schemes set out earlier in these particulars and full details are available by application to the joint selling agents. DESIGNATION The land adjacent to Sunart is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. ENTRY Entry will be by mutual agreement. OFFERS Offers in Scottish legal form are to be submitted to the joint selling agents. A closing date for offers may be fixed and prospective purchasers are advised to register their interest with the joint selling agents. USEFUL CONTACTS Robin Dixon Woodland Management Tel enquiries@jrobindixon.co.uk Crown Estate Tel Scottish Natural Heritage Tel Highland Council Planning Department Tel Iain Dawson Architect Tel HOTELS Salen Hotel Tel Kilcamb Lodge Tel Inverlochy Castle Tel CAR HIRE Flit Tel FERRIES Corran Ferry Tel POSTCODE PH 7AF The author of these particulars would like to thank Iain Thornber JP DL for allowing information from his history of Glencripesdale to be used in these particulars. 14

15 ùm s hr Sound of Rùm Sound of ck Arisaig Morar,Moidart & Ardnamurchan ath ch na Keal L Scridain (summer) 1 hr 2 hrs A848 2 hours Soun Sound of Mull A849 A846 Morar A861 S a un rt A884 Firth of Lorn ARGYLL AND BUTE g Tobermory nphort Port skaig Scarba, Lunga & The Garvellachs Jura Eigg Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright (ES ). NOT TO SCALE SLAY Mallaig Acharacle ISLE OF MULL JURA aline Sound of Jura Shiel A861 A816 Knapdale Knoydart A80 gilphead Tarbert Fyne Shiel Linnhe A85 Oban L Avich A828 A8 Quoich Eil Lynn of Lorn Kyles of Bute Awe A886 A861 A886 A844 R Garry Arkaig A819 A82 Leven A815 A815 Firth of Clyde y Long A78 R Spean A82 Ballachulish Ben Nevis & Glen Coe Inveraray Rothesay Kennacraig I Dunoon Collintraive Dalmally A8 A76 A82 Lomond A817 A814 A8 INVERCLYDE E Largs Invergarry Spean Bridge Fort William / An Gearasdan Kinlochleven GLENCRIPESDALE ESTATE Crianlarich Helensburgh Greenock Treig A761 A86 L Lyon A85 Katrine A811 A82 A809 Ericht A821 STIRLING 1 G R Tyndrum A M P A81 Rannoch R Lyon LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS A81 A875 R Forth A891 M8 A86 A889 L Earn A84 A87 A811 M80 A9 A827 Tay R Teith A80 M876 A8 A7 R Tummel PER RTH AND KINROSS WEST DUNBARTO TONSHIRE 1 Glasgow Killin Dumbarton I A Rannoch & Glen Lyon EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE a / / /1 5 4 Paisley Newtonmore N TAY M80 M O A85 A822 M9 A89 R Tay A826 R Earn (Comrie to St Fillans) Callander Kilsyth Stirling Kingussie A822 R Earn Tay Auchtermuchty A9 Auchterarder Leven 8 CLACKMANN NANSHIRE 7 Falkland A91 A801 A82 A907 A977 A985 A705 A71 A924 A92 A9 A82 M9 A80 FALKIRK WEST Cumbernauld LOTHIAN M7 Bathgate 6 Blair Atholl Dunblane Airdrie M8 4 Motherwell 5 Mountains Tummel Aberfeldy Crieff 8 7 Falkirk Alloa R A70 A9 U N T A Pitlochry Kincardine 4 a R Tay Blairgowrie Braemar 2 A984 M90 6 Kinross M90 Dunfermline 4 2a 2 1 A9 A94 A921 A90 1a Livingston I N S A91 A91 A911 A92 A909 A720 A94 A912 5 A92 A926 A928 Firth of Tay A92 A914 A916 A9 Ballater Kirriemuir ANGUS A94 Coupar Angus Dundee A90 Perth Newburgh A914 Riv FIRTH OF A A90 A91 Cupar FIFE A915 Leven Glenrothes Kirkcaldy Burntisland EDINBURGH Tranent Dalkeith MIDLOTHIAN Penicuik DUND CITY Newp A A Abo Fo Ans A1 LO 15

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