Your estate in safe hands
Estate owners can find it difficult to navigate the complex and rapidly changing world of Scottish estate ownership. With us by your side, you'll know that you're getting the best advice possible on the strategic development and stewardship of your land and estates.
Strategic Estate planning
We have extensive experience in advising clients in the development and stewardship of their land and estates. Paul Nicoll, our Strategic Planning lead, has practiced on behalf of landowners in Argyll for over 25 years. He has an intimate knowledge and understanding of the area along with its demographic and socio-economic landscape.
Here at The Estates Office we advise on all facets of land ownership. Our advice is in-depth and tailored to your exact needs.
We can help you to identify new business opportunities and achieve the very best for your estate from traditional and developing sectors – whether it be farming, forestry, renewables or tourism.
We are highly experienced in land valuation and have specialist knowledge of tax planning and succession planning while keeping abreast of the latest land legislation.
We also have experience assisting estates facing community buyout proposals.
Services
- Investment appraisals
- Tax & succession planning
- Valuations
- Property & estates: sale & acquisition
- Handling community buyout proposals
- Development opportunities
- Forestry
- Renewable energy
- Tourism
As well as offering strategic planning advice, we also provide a complete day to day estate management service.
Find out More>CASe studies & examples
LAND Development
Case study: Land Development, Saulmore
On behalf of Estate clients, Paul worked to obtain planning consent for an 18 hole golf course 3 miles to the north of Oban. In addition, there is zoning for marine tourism to include a Marina of 250 berths plus a hotel, residential and holiday accommodation which is currently with developers.
This project involved liaison with various agencies, preparation of detail and residual appraisals.
COMMUNITY BUYOUT
Case study: Community Buyout, island of Ulva
Paul had managed the Island since 2004 and regrettably a decision had been taken to sell the island due to the lack of capital available to invest in the infrastructure.
The property was jointly marketed with Knight Frank and drew interest from high net worth individuals from around the world. However, within 10 days of the property hitting the market, the Community Group of North West Mull registered an interest. Paul was involved throughout the complex negotiations and provided advice to the owner throughout the sale, liaising with lawyers, the Scottish Government and the Community Group.
The community buyout of Ulva, which was probably one of the most politically motivated acts under the Land Reform Legislation, has given Paul a unique insight into the process and he is able to advise landowners on all aspects of the legislation and procedure.
New Neigbourhood Development
Case study: New Neigbourhood Development, Dunbeg
Paul Nicoll has been involved with the Dunbeg Development Corridor since 1998 when the land was initially put forward for possible development as it seemed to be the only reasonable ground to sustain the development of Oban over the next 30 years.
Paul has taken the development from its initial inception and master planning to its inclusion within the Local Development Plan. The area now has a Marine Science Development as well as Argyll College. In addition, 75 houses have been built and 300 houses will be completed and delivered by 2021.
There is planning permission for a new roundabout from which a road will link up with the Scottish Association of Marine Science as well as the Marine Science Park and see the development of up to 425 new houses plus a commercial area providing facilities for the houses as well as for Oban in general. There will also be community facilities as well as an expansion of the school.
Co-ordinating the project required liaision between the landowner, government agencies, private developers and Argyll & Bute Council. Dunbeg was one of the first projects in Scotland to be included within a Tax Incremental Financing initiative.
developing new revenue streams
Case study: Developing New Revenue Streams, Lochnell Estate
Sophie became involved in diversification ideas for Lochnell Estate. The estate's coastal location near Oban was ideal for the development of a boat storage and maintenance facility. Sophie manages Lochnell Boat Services on behalf of the estate's owner and is involved in the project management of the recent expansion of boat storage area.
More case studies and examples of the work The Estates Office can do to help your estate and property.
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