Deadline approaching for 'rare' 9,000ac borders estate

Potential bidders have just days left to put their money where their mouths are for a rare 9,000ac estate in Dumfries and Galloway.

Previously part of the renowned Buccleuch Estate, Evertown Portfolio in Canonbie is up for sale with the option to buy whole or split into 18 lots.

However, eager and curious buyers must bear in mind that the closing date is 12:00pm, Tuesday, December 4.

According to the agents, the Evertown Portfolio is a significant agricultural and forestry land holding located in the south of Scotland offering “strategic investment and business opportunities“.

Buccleuch’s Borders Estate

The landowners, Buccleuch’s Borders Estate, owns 127,000ac that stretches from the English border to Hawick. Buccleuch declared that any sale of land encompassing tenanted farms would see current leasing agreements honoured.

Tenant farmers who live on their farms on long-term tenancies have been offered the opportunity to purchase their farms ahead of the open sale process. Farms currently occupied on 1991 Act tenancies, which are secure agricultural leases, are not part of the sale.

Buccleuch chief executive John Glen said: “As the Buccleuch business continues to evolve, we have to reflect the fact that the productive use of land is a far more complex proposition than it was previously.

We are committed to achieving the best use of land possible and part of that strategy involves reducing our footprint. These land holdings being brought to market offer a wide variety of opportunities for prospective owners.

Concluding, John Glen commented on the estate’s remaining land: “Selling land will allow Buccleuch to care for its remaining holdings more manageably whilst enabling the business to invest the capital it raises in other parts of our rural enterprises.”

18 lots of land

Charles Dudgeon of Savills, which is advising Buccleuch, said: “Evertown is a significant rural portfolio comprising equipped farms, productive farmland, commercial forestry and extensive planting opportunities.

“While the properties sit in a beautiful part of the world, amidst a rolling landscape, they are conveniently located close to the main Edinburgh to Carlisle trunk road, providing quick access to the motorway network.”

6,215ac make up the total farmland for sale, which can be split between two distinct agricultural areas.

There are 1,287ac of farmland with vacant possession and 4,927ac of farmland subject to a range of leases and occupancies. 12 lots out of 18 are farmland – nine include residential dwellings.

“The southern portion next to the national border is productive lowland ground suitable for dairy, beef and sheep farming whilst supporting some arable production,” Dudgeon added.

“The northern portion of the Portfolio consists of extensive hill farms which are best suited to upland sheep farming.”

The farmland for sale comprises:

Lot 2: Cleuchfoot farm totalling 607.03ac. Includes a six-bedroom farmhouse and steading;
Lot 4: Murtholm farm totalling 1,234.39ac. Includes a hill farm with two cottages and modern sheds;
Lot 5: Old Irvine farm totalling 310.73ac. Includes a five-bedroom farmhouse and steading;
Lot 6: Accessible pasture ground at Auchenrivock totalling 122.69ac;
Lot 10: Pasture ground at Tarcoon totalling 381.70ac. Includes a range of sheds;
Lot 11: A stock farm at Chapelhills comprising 280.01ac. Includes a three-bedroom farmhouse and steading;
Lot 12: Loophill totalling 85.77ac. Includes a four-bedroom farmhouse and small holdings;
Lot 13: Productive temporary pasture at Mossknowne totalling 119.55ac;
Lot 14: Temporary and permanent pasture at Glenzierhead, totalling 216.83ac;
Lot 15: Glenzier garden farm totalling 270.38ac. Includes a renovated farmhouse and recently erected buildings;
Lot 16: Greenknowe farm totalling 432.28ac. Includes a farmhouse (in need of restoration) and two ranges of buildings;
Lot 17: Mouldyhills farm totalling 553.43ac. Includes a four-bedroom farmhouse, modern steading and energy generating potential.

The lots also include a total of 2,740ac of forestry; 262ac currently consented for planting; 840ac are currently pending application.

“The forestry is predominantly high yield-class spruce crops which benefit from a diverse age profile with scope for harvesting mature timber during the next 10-15 years. This is complemented by extensive mid and young rotation crops,” Dudgeon said.

The forestry plantations and planting opportunities for sale include: